Phillies’ Zack Wheeler Has Strong Reaction to All-Star Snub

Zack Wheeler said it "pisses me off" that he was not named an All-Star, and called the rule making him ineligible to pitch in the game a "BS rule."

The Philadelphia Phillies right-hander made the comments to Foul Territory after Tuesday's start in Cincinnati, where he struck out a career-high 14 batters across seven dominant innings, allowing just one run on four hits without issuing a walk.

Wheeler is 36 and has made three All-Star teams in his career. He is scheduled to start Sunday, July 12, against the Detroit Tigers, which makes him ineligible to pitch in the Midsummer Classic two days later. The 2026 All-Star Game is being played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, making the snub sting even more.

"You figure they'd have a clue about it by now with how many All-Star Games they've had," Wheeler told Foul Territory.

In 13 starts since returning from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, Wheeler is 9-1 with a 2.36 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 84 strikeouts in 80 innings. He told his agent he would pitch one inning in the Midsummer Classic, but was informed that is not permitted under current rules.

Teammate Kyle Schwarber, one of six Phillies on the NL roster, said it stings. "We dealt with it last year, dealt with it this year now, and when someone who's putting up the numbers deserves it, you want them to just get that nod," Schwarber told reporters, per The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The same situation cost Cristopher Sánchez a selection in 2025 despite posting a 2.59 ERA in the first half. The Phillies activated a bonus clause in his contract after the snub, but Sánchez never received league recognition.

Wheeler's frustration is unlikely to go away soon. With Sunday's start locking him out of the game, the Phillies ace will watch the All-Star Game from the stands at his own ballpark.

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