The Phillies’ clubhouse in San Diego has been buzzing with energy recently, but it’s not because of their performance on the field. Instead, the chatter revolves around the upcoming All-Star Game in Atlanta’s Truist Park, set for Tuesday.
The main topic of discussion has been the exclusion of pitchers Ranger Suarez and Christopher Sanchez from the National League roster. Conversations, sometimes heated, have centered on why these two weren’t selected.
There hasn’t been any negative talk about Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski, who made the All-Star team after just five starts, or about Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd, who was added on Friday night. The frustration seems more focused on the exclusion of their own teammates. Shortstop Trea Turner, who also didn’t make the cut, has been the most vocal on the issue.
Suarez shared on Friday that the league had reached out to him with an invite, but he chose to decline in order to rest and prepare for the second half of the season. Earlier, Zack Wheeler also informed the league that he wouldn’t be taking his spot on the NL roster.
Sanchez, who is set to start the series finale against the Padres on Sunday, discussed his thoughts on the situation as well.
“Personally I did not (receive a call from the league), but (president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski) and Thoms (manager Rob Thomson) they did receive a call about it and they handled it the best way possible,” Sanchez said. “My teammates and my team are showing support and the front office as well has been supporting so much that they decided to, even though I’m not officially a part of the game, they’ve decided to activate the bonus clause that gets me a bonus for making the All-Star team. They decided to inform me that way and that just shows the overall support I’m receiving.”
That move by the front office goes a heck of a long way not only towards Sanchez, but to the rest of the team to see the backing of the big-wigs.
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