Any list of MLB All-Star snubs has to include right-hander Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Just ask him.
The veteran, who came back from thoracic outlet surgery this past offseason to be one of the game’s best pitchers, took his frustrations out on the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night − then had enough left in the tank to slam MLB’s selection process afterwards.
Wheeler tied his career high with 14 strikeouts in a 4-1 Phillies win, and then made his case for being part of the NL All-Star team.
However, MLB rules prevent any pitcher who starts on the Sunday before the All-Star Game from being named to the team.
“I think it’s kind of a B.S. rule that just because I pitch on a certain day, I get punished for it,” Wheeler told reporters.
Despite not making his 2026 debut until April 25, Wheeler has posted a 9-1 record and 2.28 ERA in 14 starts.
Even if he did pitch on Sunday, Wheeler said he normally throws bullpen sessions on the second and third days after a start. So tossing an inning in the All-Star Game wouldn’t be a heavy lift.
Wheeler, 36, has been named an All-Star three times during his career. But with this year’s game at his home park in Philadelphia, the honor would have even greater significance.
Wheeler’s teammate Jesus Luzardo, along with pitchers Braxton Ashcraft of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Riley O’Brien of the St. Louis Cardinals, were added to the NL All-Star team earlier in the day Tuesday.
That just might have provided some additional incentive for Wheeler to prove his point on the field.
“For sure,” Wheeler said. “That was a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded …
“maybe if I wasn’t necessarily right in there, I wouldn’t be saying this. But I feel like I’ve earned it.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Phillies’ Wheeler dominates Reds, calls out MLB over ‘B.S.’ All-Star rule
