Last week, Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler made a big stink about not being chosen for the MLB All-Star Game, and rightfully so. He absolutely deserves a spot based on his numbers and reputation, and his snub was nothing short of historic.
MLB tried to rectify the situation by inviting him to join the National League roster as an injury replacement last Friday. However, Wheeler shockingly declined the invitation, as his pride had already been damaged.
"They disrespected me, so I'm just not going to participate in that thing," Wheeler said Saturday via NBC Sports Philadelphia, not wanting to be "the fifth option."
Phillies ace Zack Wheeler said he declined an invitation to be added to the NL All-Star roster, adding that he felt "disrespected" by being snubbed multiple times.
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2026
Wheeler said he was invited to join the roster on Friday, but said he was "not gonna be the fifth option."…
"Maybe I didn't earn it from the get-go, but maybe just second choice," Wheeler added. "Once I feel like they kind of messed that up, I'm out."
The 36-year-old right-hander has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, going 10-1 with a 2.13 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP and 108 strikeouts in 93 innings. However, the three-time All-Star was inexplicably passed over for the Midsummer Classic.
Accordingly, he will not participate in Tuesday's game, which is being hosted by the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.