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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has no interest in playing in the MLB All-Star Game, even after receiving a late invitation to the Midsummer Classic.
Wheeler was initially unable to get a chance to pitch at Citizens Bank Ballpark, his home stadium, due to his pitching schedule. The kickoff schedules have determined who is available for the Midsummer Classic, but it’s unclear if they have strictly determined the All-Star selections.
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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler throws during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Philadelphia. (Matt Slocum/AP Photo)
He was asked to rejoin the team on Friday as an injury replacement, but declined, saying he “wouldn’t be the fifth option.”
“Because they disrespected me,” he said via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “So I’m just not going to participate in this thing.”
Wheeler made it clear he wasn’t criticizing the event itself, calling it a “privilege” to participate. However, it was the initial snub that didn’t sit well with him.
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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)
“The guys are very proud to have the All-Star next to their name,” he added. “During your career and after your career. And the people who build this stuff after your career might think about it as well. For someone to take that away from me, that’s not the best solution.”
Wheeler has handled 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 throwing schedule that was keeping him from getting on the mound.
“It pisses me off. It’s a little BS, so. Maybe if I wasn’t necessarily in it, I wouldn’t say this, but I feel like I’ve earned it, and just because I’m pitching on a certain day, I don’t get to make the All-Star Game or even be in it 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 just a BS rule, just because I pitch on a certain day, I get punished for it, I guess.”
