It’s got to be a few of them, right?
Today, the All-Star roster will be filled out by Dave Roberts and Aaron Boone, the managers of the National League and American League teams this year by virtue of getting to the World Series last season. They have the task of picking at least one representative from each team, then filling out a roster to compete in Atlanta next week.
For the Phillies, we don’t know who yet will represent the team, but we have a pretty good idea. Zack Wheeler is a lock to make it and will probably be the starter for the National League on the mound. Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez are both good bets to make it, though one of them could sit due to roster requirements. Trea Turner should make it as a shortstop while Kyle Schwarber should make it as Shohei Ohtani’s backup at DH.
The question for today is: should they go and play, or should they stay and rest? The hitters, they’re likely to make the trip. They would probably only get one at bat anyway and that shouldn’t exert too much energy. With whatever pitcher makes it, the question can be asked if pitching even an inning is worth it. This team is going to live and die the rest of the year by their pitching, so risking an injury may not sit well with those involved in the decision making with the Phillies. They could ask that they not pitch in the game, simply go and be a fan. For Wheeler especially, depriving him a chance to start the game might be a discussion they have, ultimately leaving it up to him, but there is at least a modicum of risk. In the end, it’s just an exhibition game. Maybe the team should be cautious, maybe they should just leave it up to the player(s).