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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 invitation to the Midsummer Classic.
Initially, Wheeler was not able to get the opportunity to pitch at Citizens Bank Ballpark, his home stadium, due to his throwing schedule. Pitching schedules have determined who is available for the Midsummer Classic, but it is not known if they have strictly determined All-Star selections.
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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler pitches during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Philadelphia. (Matt Slocum/AP Photo)
He was invited to join the squad on Friday as an injury replacement, but declined, saying he was “not going to be the fifth choice.”
“Because they disrespected me,” he said via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “So I’m just not going to participate in that thing.”
Wheeler made it clear that he was not criticizing the event itself and called it a “privilege” to participate in it. However, it was the initial snub that didn’t sit well with him.
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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler pitches during the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)
“The guys take a lot of pride in having the All-Star next to their name,” he added. “During your career and after your career. And the people who build things after your career could see that too. For someone to take that away from me, it’s not the best thing.”
Wheeler has been trading 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 schedule that kept him off the mound.
“It bothers me. It’s kind of silly, so. Maybe if I wasn’t necessarily right, I wouldn’t be saying this, but I feel like I’ve earned it, and just because I pitch 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 pitches 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 a bullshit rule, I guess just because I pitch on a certain day, I get punished for it.”
