Phillies’ Zack Wheeler Criticizes MLB For “B.S.” Rule Following 2026 All-Star Game Snub

Zack Wheeler will not play in the All-Star Game despite having a 9-1 record and a 2.28 ERA through 14 starts this season.

Phillies’ Zack Wheeler Criticizes MLB For “B.S.” Rule Following 2026 All-Star Game Snub

Zack Wheeler (Image via MLB)

Zack Wheeler took issue with MLB on Tuesday. Following his dominant performance against the Cincinnati Reds, the Philadelphia Phillies starting pitching made some strong comments and criticized the league after he was snubbed from the upcoming All-Star Game.

This year, the All-Star Game will take place at Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies, on July 14. Given his performances this season, it seemed that Wheeler would be one of the Phillies who would take part in the contest between the stars of the American and National League.

However, he was snubbed. Before the game on Tuesday, the pitcher had an 8-1 record and was causing havoc for the opposition batters. Despite this, he was not selected for the All-Star Game.

The Reds were the ones who paid for it. While being frustrated with this development, the right-handed pitcher blew away the NL Central side with a career-high 14 strikeouts. He gave up just 1 run and improved his record to 9-1 while lowering his ERA to 2.28 for the season.

Unlike the position players, pitchers are not selected through fan voting. So, Wheeler was counting on the votes from his peers and the Commissioner’s Office to get a chance of making an appearance in the All-Star Game.

Unfortunately for him, he did not get the nod for the game. One of the reasons for this is due to the MLB pitching rules. As Wheeler is set to start the game on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, he is not allowed to pitch in the All-Star Game.

After his strong showing against the Reds, the 36-year-old hit out at the rules. While calling it “B.S.“, he admitted that he was pi**** by this snub.

It’s kind of B.S. Maybe if I wasn’t necessarily right in there I wouldn’t be saying this, but I feel like I’ve earned it. Just because I pitch on a certain day, I can’t pitch an All-Star game or even be there or get the recognition for it.

Zack Wheeler told the reporters as per NBC Sports Philadelphia

On Tuesday, Wheeler did not surrender a single walk. He thus became the 6th pitcher in franchise history to have 14 or more strikeouts in a game without giving up a walk.

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Kyle Schwarber says it “sucks” to see Zack Wheeler not get the All-Star Game nod

Philadelpia Phillies star Zack Wheeler’s snub from the All-Star Game sparked several discussions on social media. As fans debated this decision, Kyle Schwarber came into his teammate’s support. He expressed that it sucked to see him not get the nod.

Kyle Schwarber and Zack Wheeler
Kyle Schwarber and Zack Wheeler (Image via Bleacher Report/MLB)

Schwarber is one of the 6 Phillies star who will play in the All-Star Game this year. The others are Bryce Harper, Cristopher Sanchez, Jhoan Duran, Brandon Marsh and Jesus Luzardo (was named as a replacement on Tuesday).

Last year, Sanchez was the one who suffered this same fate. He did not get the nod as he was pitching in the game before the All-Star Break.

It just sucks that we have to deal with it. … When someone is putting up the numbers and deserves it, you want them to just get that nod.

Kyle Schwarber said regarding Zack Wheeler as per NBC Sports Philadelphia

Schwarber smashed his 31st home run of the season on Tuesday. With his and Wheeler’s contributions, the Phillies emerged as 4-1 winners.

The team has been on a huge roll since the appointment of Don Mattingly after their huge losing streak. They are 42-22 since he took charge in April and has led them right back in the NL East division title race. With their victory, the Phillies are 51-41, 2 games behind the Atlanta Braves, who are in a major slump at the moment.

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