Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler didn’t hold back after delivering one of the most dominant starts of his career Tuesday night, using a dazzling performance against the Cincinnati Reds to send a clear message to Major League Baseball over his surprising All-Star snub.
Wheeler tied a career high with 14 strikeouts while leading the Phillies to a 4-1 victory, then expressed his disappointment after learning he had once again been overlooked for the National League All-Star roster despite another elite season.
“This was a reminder for anyone who needed one,” Wheeler said after the game, adding that being left off the roster “pisses me off” and calling the decision “BS.”
The timing of Wheeler’s comments was significant. Earlier in the day, MLB announced that St. Louis right-hander Riley O’Brien, Phillies teammate Jesús Luzardo, and Pittsburgh rookie Braxton Ashcraft had been selected as replacement pitchers for next week’s All-Star Game, which will be held in Philadelphia. They were added after Paul Skenes, Jacob Misiorowski, and Max Meyer became unavailable because they are scheduled to pitch for their respective clubs this weekend.
Wheeler is also lined up to start this weekend against the Detroit Tigers, and he believes that scheduling conflict ultimately cost him the opportunity to receive the All-Star recognition he feels he has earned.
According to Wheeler, the league’s policy effectively penalizes pitchers simply because of where they fall in the rotation. He questioned why deserving players cannot still be named to the roster and recognized for their accomplishments, even if they are ultimately unable to appear in the game itself.
The veteran right-hander argued that players who have performed at an All-Star level deserve the honor regardless of their pitching schedule. He said he believes he has done more than enough this season to warrant a selection and suggested MLB should have developed a better process after decades of organizing the Midsummer Classic.
Wheeler even revealed he would have been willing to pitch an inning on just two days of rest if given the opportunity, noting that the appearance would have coincided with a normal bullpen session in his routine. Instead, he said, that possibility was never presented.
“It’s a BS rule,” Wheeler said, explaining that he feels he is being punished solely because of the day he is scheduled to take the mound. “I’d be fine throwing one inning, but apparently it’s not even an option.”
His frustration drew support from teammate Kyle Schwarber, who continued his outstanding season by launching his MLB-leading 31st home run during the victory. Schwarber, a four-time All-Star and this year’s National League designated hitter selection, said Wheeler deserves the recognition.
“When someone deserves it, you want them to get that acknowledgment,” Schwarber said.
Schwarber added that All-Star selections carry lasting significance in a player’s career because opportunities to earn those honors are limited.
“We’re only in this game for so long,” Schwarber said. “You want to be able to look back and feel like you have some things that put some feathers in the cap.”
Wheeler’s latest masterpiece only strengthened his case. Improving to 9-1 on the season, the 36-year-old continued to establish himself as one of baseball’s premier pitchers, making his omission from the National League All-Star roster an even more controversial topic as the Phillies prepare to host this year’s Midsummer Classic.