Brewers Ace Says He Won’t Pitch in All-Star Game and Understands Why

Jacob Misiorowski will be in Philadelphia for the All-Star Game on July 14. He just won’t be throwing a single pitch.

The Milwaukee Brewers have their 24-year-old right-hander scheduled to start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 12, the last day before the All-Star break. According to ESPN, that makes him ineligible to pitch in the game two nights later, even if he’s selected to the National League roster.

Milwaukee plans to have Misiorowski start Tuesday at St. Louis and then again on July 12 at Pittsburgh. And the rule is clear: pitchers who start on that Sunday before the break can’t pitch in the All-Star Game.

Misiorowski admitted he’s bummed about it. He wants to represent the Brewers on that stage. But he also gets it.

“I get it,” Misiorowski said. “I get we’re not looking for right now. We’re looking for September, October. It sucks. Obviously, I want to throw in a game like that, but so be it.”

That quote tells you everything about how the Brewers are approaching this season. They’re not worried about one exhibition game in July. They’re worried about October.

The Numbers Behind the Decision

Misiorowski isn’t just any young arm. In just his second MLB season, he’s put up numbers that look like a video game. Through 99 innings, he owns a 1.45 ERA and a 0.768 WHIP with 146 strikeouts. He leads the league in all three categories.

His fastball is the kind of thing hitters talk about in the dugout after facing him. High velocity, late life, and he’s been carving up lineups all year.

The Brewers have built a comfortable lead in the NL Central, and they’re clearly thinking beyond the All-Star break. Pushing Misiorowski’s schedule around for a midseason showcase just doesn’t make sense when you’re trying to line up your rotation for a deep playoff run.

Misiorowski will still travel to Philadelphia and be part of the festivities. He just won’t take the mound. For a guy who’s dominated the league this year, that’s got to sting a little. But he’s saying all the right things, and the Brewers are making the only call that makes sense.

They’re playing the long game. And with numbers like his, it’s hard to argue with them.