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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has no interest in appearing in the MLB All-Star Game even after receiving a late invite to the Midsummer Classic.
Wheeler was initially unable to get the chance to pitch at Citizens Bank Ballpark, his home stadium, due to his pitching schedule. The pitching schedules have determined who is available for the Midsummer Classic, but it is not known if they have firm All-Star selections.
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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler pitches during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Philadelphia. (Matt Slocum/AP Photo)
He was invited to join the roster Friday as an injury replacement, but declined, saying he “didn’t want to be the fifth option.”
“Because they didn’t respect me,” he said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia . “So I just don’t want to participate in that thing.”
Wheeler made it clear he was not criticizing the event itself, calling it a “privilege” to attend. However, it was the first snub that didn’t suit him well.
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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler throws during the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)
“Guys are very proud to have All-Star next to your name,” he added. “During your career and after your career. And people who build them after your career might look at it, too. Because somebody’s taking it from me, it’s not the best fit.”
Wheeler has traded for the Phillies this season. In 14 starts, he has a 2.28 ERA with 98 strikeouts and a 10.1 K/9 ratio.
He suggested Tuesday that it was his pitching scheme that kept him off the mound.
“It f—es me out. It’s kind of BS, then. If I wasn’t necessarily right in there, I wouldn’t be saying this, but I feel like I’ve earned it, and just because I’m pitching on a certain day, I can’t pitch in the All-Star Game or even be there or get the recognition for it,” he said.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
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“I think it’s kind of just a BS rule, just because I pitch on a certain day, I guess I get penalized for it.”
