MLB fans were not thrilled with FOX's coverage of the 2026 All-Star Game, particularly the in-game interview with Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease. During the bottom of the first inning, Cease was mic'd up and spoke with broadcasters Joe Davis and John Smoltz. Despite the distraction, Cease managed to strike out the side, but the conversation took a controversial turn.
Fans were taken aback when Davis and Smoltz began suggesting which pitches Cease should throw. The situation became even more awkward when Cease ended up walking Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Freddie Freeman. Many viewers took to social media to express their frustration.
“Joe Davis acting like he doesn’t hope Freddie doesn’t strike out,” one fan wrote. Another asked, “Why are Joe Davis & John Smoltz trying to suggest pitches to Dylan Cease?” A third fan commented, “Joe Davis. Don’t give pitching advice. If you’re going to mix up the pitcher and catcher let’s just hear their talk.” Another fan simply declared, “STOP TALKING JOE DAVIS.”
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the role of broadcasters during live games. While in-game interviews are common on FOX, fans felt that offering pitching advice crossed a line. This is not the first time a broadcaster has faced backlash for similar behavior; for example, Allisha Gray's criticism of WNBA refs during a live interview also drew attention.
Joe Davis has been the lead play-by-play announcer for FOX's MLB coverage since 2022, but he first joined the network in 2014 as a college football announcer. He also handles play-by-play for NFL games alongside Greg Olsen. With the All-Star Game behind him, Davis will remain busy through the end of the year.
Meanwhile, fans are hoping that future broadcasts will focus more on the action on the field rather than unsolicited advice from the booth. As one fan put it, “Let’s just hear their talk.”
