SouthernWorldwide.com – Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has decided not to participate in the MLB All-Star Game, even after receiving a late invitation to the prestigious event.
Initially, Wheeler was unable to secure a spot in the All-Star Game due to his pitching schedule. While pitching rotations often influence who is available for the Midsummer Classic, it remains unclear if these schedules were the sole factor in All-Star selections.
He was extended an invitation to join the roster on Friday as a replacement for an injured player. However, Wheeler declined, stating he was “not gonna be the fifth option.”
Wheeler expressed his feelings directly, saying, “Because they disrespected me.” He further elaborated, “So I’m just not gonna participate in that thing.”
The pitcher was careful to clarify that his dissatisfaction was not with the All-Star Game itself, which he described as a “privilege” to be a part of. His primary issue stemmed from not being initially selected.
“Guys do take a lot of pride to having the All-Star next to your name,” he added. “During your career and after your career. And people who build them stuff after your career might look at that, too. For somebody to kind of take that away from me, it doesn’t sit the best.”
Wheeler has been a standout performer for the Phillies this season. In 14 starts, he boasts an impressive 2.28 ERA, with 98 strikeouts and a 10.1 K/9 ratio.
Earlier in the week, he had suggested that his pitching schedule was the reason he was overlooked.
“It p—es me off. It’s kind of BS, so. Maybe if I wasn’t necessarily right in there, I wouldn’t be saying this, but I feel like I’ve earned it, and just because I pitch on a certain day, I can’t pitch in the All-Star Game or even be there or get the recognition for it,” he stated.
“I think it’s kind of just a BS rule, just because I pitch on a certain day, I get punished for it, I guess.”
