Rob Manfred Defends Jacob Misiorowski's MLB All-Star Nod, Calls It 'Right Decision'

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred defended his decision to include rookie Jacob Misiorowski on the National League All-Star team despite him making only five starts, noting "the excitement that was going to be generated" and "the fan interest in seeing this guy," according to ESPN.

"He's a very, very good pitcher on a very, very good run right now," Manfred told the Baseball Writers' Association of America on Tuesday. "Do I understand five starts is short? Yeah, I do. And do I want to make that the norm? No, I don't. But I think it was the right decision given where we were."

The 23-year-old has gone 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA alongside 33 strikeouts in 25.2 innings.

Misiorowski wasn't initially chosen as an All-Star, but he ultimately replaced Chicago Cubs starter Matthew Boyd.

That led to some criticism, particularly from Philadelphia Phillies players who were hoping to see Cristopher Sanchez or Ranger Suárez get the nod.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today later reported that MLB officials "reached out to about a dozen pitchers" seeking a replacement for Boyd before landing on Misiorowski after they all declined.

As for Misiorowski, he looked like a future All-Star when he got called up to the bigs, but he got on an accelerated path to the Midsummer Classic now after a great start.