Zack Wheeler isn’t interested in a consolation prize.
The ace pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies announced he has turned down a late invitation to the MLB All-Star Game, saying the selection committee “disrespected” him through a series of oversights.
Wheeler was left off the All-Star roster when it was officially announced last weekend. To make matters worse, he wasn’t included when replacement players were added on Tuesday either. It wasn’t until Friday that he finally received an invite — as an injury replacement — but by then, the damage was done.
“They disrespected me, so I’m just not going to participate in that thing,” Wheeler told NBC Sports Philadelphia on Saturday.
The veteran pitcher said he didn’t want to be treated as a last resort. “Maybe I didn’t earn it from the get-go, but maybe just second choice,” he said. “Once I feel like they kind of messed that up, I’m out.”
Wheeler, 36, has put together an impressive season despite missing the first month of the year while recovering from thoracic outlet surgery. He has logged 93 innings across 15 starts and has been pitching at an elite level.
His last two outings made a strong case that MLB made a serious error. He matched a career best with 14 strikeouts against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, then followed that up Sunday with six scoreless innings and 10 strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers, outdueling that team’s ace Tarik Skubal.
Sunday’s victory pushed Wheeler’s record to 10-1, and his 2.13 ERA ranks second in the National League, trailing only Jacob Misiorowski.
The three-time All-Star called the midsummer classic a “privilege” and said this particular year would have carried extra meaning given his comeback from surgery.
“It’s personal to me, and I really tried hard to get back to where I was,” Wheeler said. “This is hard work, appreciation of everybody who kind of helped me get back to where I am now.”
Adding another layer to the story, this year’s All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia — Wheeler’s home ballpark. Despite his absence, six of his Phillies teammates will be on hand to represent the club: Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Cristopher Sanchez, Jhoan Duran, Brandon Marsh, and late addition Jesus Luzardo.
