Is it possible for a starting pitcher in the All-Star game to get the win even if he does not go 5 innings?

Question

I'm asking because I hear staters in the All-Star game normally don't go more than 3 innings at the most.

Answer 1

Technically, the STARTING pitcher can only win the game if they pitch 5 innings. He can lose no matter how long he pitches.

However, it is the All Star game, so it doesn't matter anyway. The stats don't count, for anyone.

Case in Point: Three or Four years ago, Eric Gagne was in the middle of his record save streak. He blew the save in the All-Star game, but it didn't count against his streak.

Answer 2

Exhibition games, including the ASG, are specifically exempted from the five-inning rule.

MLB Rule 10.17(e):
A league may designate a non-championship game (for example, the Major League All-Star Game) for which Rules 10.17(a)(1) and 10.17(b) do not apply [note: these detail the five-inning minimum]. In such games, the official scorer shall credit as the winning pitcher that pitcher whose team assumes a lead while such pitcher is in the game, or during the inning on offense in which such pitcher is removed from the game, and does not relinquish such lead, unless such pitcher is knocked out after the winning team has attained a commanding lead and the official scorer concludes that a subsequent pitcher is entitled to credit as the winning pitcher.

Clemens got the W in 1986 despite starting and going only three innings. There's other examples, but that's one I recall clearly.

Answer 3

Technically a pitcher can win or lose a game after pitching only 1 inning.