MLB made a notable change to the National League All-Star roster on Tuesday, replacing Paul Skenes, Jacob Misiorowski and Max Meyer ahead of next Tuesday's All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Braxton Ashcraft, Luzardo and Riley O'Brien were added in their place. The move leaves the NL with a revised pitching group for the midsummer showcase, even though the three original pitchers are not currently injured.
Why the change matters
The timing is the key part here. The Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers and Miami Marlins all play on Sunday, and Monday night brings the Home Run Derby before the All-Star Game on July 14. That schedule likely played into the decision to remove the three pitchers, since teams are planning around the rest of the week and the All-Star break itself.
For the National League, the adjustments bring in three pitchers with different All-Star storylines. Ashcraft is a first-time All-Star in his second MLB season. Luzardo is earning his first All-Star appearance during a career year. O'Brien is also making his first All-Star team after debuting in 2021.
What comes next
The changes do not alter the basic setup for the event: the All-Star Game will still be played on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. But they do shift the NL roster, and they underline how team pitching plans can reshape the All-Star picture even when the players involved are healthy.
