Philadelphia pitcher Zack Wheeler declines All-Star Game invitation
Wheeler’s Decision and Rationale
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler has declined an invitation from Major League Baseball to join the National League All-Star Game roster as a replacement player. Wheeler, who is scheduled to start on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, expressed his feelings of disrespect at not being initially selected for the team. He stated that he did not want to be considered the “fifth choice” for the roster.
Wheeler informed reporters in Detroit on Saturday, July 11, that MLB contacted him on Thursday regarding the replacement offer. However, he had already made his decision to decline. He emphasized that while he might not have earned an initial spot, he felt he should have been at least a second choice. Wheeler indicated that once he felt the situation was mishandled, he chose not to participate.
The 36-year-old pitcher has demonstrated strong performance this season, returning to his role as a top starting pitcher after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery last season and missing the beginning of the current season. He was activated on April 25 and has since recorded a 9-1 record with a 2.28 ERA and 98 strikeouts over 14 starts and 87.0 innings pitched.
Impact of All-Star Selection
Wheeler highlighted the significance of being an All-Star for a player’s career. He noted that having “All-Star” next to one’s name carries pride during and after a career, and that such recognition can influence how players are viewed in retirement. Wheeler felt that being overlooked for the initial selection diminished this aspect for him.
On Tuesday, July 7, Wheeler delivered one of his best starts of the season against the Cincinnati Reds, tying his career high with 14 strikeouts in a 4-1 Phillies victory. Following that game, he openly stated that being left off the initial National League roster, which is determined by peer voting for pitchers, provided extra motivation for his performance.
He described a rule regarding pitcher eligibility as “B.S.,” suggesting that pitchers are penalized for pitching on a certain day. The MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 14, at Wheeler’s home ballpark, Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Former Phillies left-handed pitcher Cole Hamels, speaking earlier in the week, called MLB’s rule regarding pitchers starting on the final Sunday before the All-Star break “very unfair.” This rule makes such pitchers ineligible to participate in the All-Star Game. Hamels explained that All-Star selection for pitchers is particularly challenging because it relies on peer votes, unlike fan voting for position players.
Hamels stressed that pitchers having a strong season desire recognition, as being an All-Star impacts both their active careers and their legacies. He argued that without the All-Star designation, a player’s impressive statistics might be overlooked, with focus instead placed on the number of All-Star appearances, Cy Young awards, or World Series Championships. Hamels concluded that Wheeler should be an All-Star and expressed regret that many deserving pitchers face similar situations due to the current system.
Team Support and T-Shirt Initiative
In response to Wheeler’s initial snub, Phillies backup catcher Garrett Stubbs initiated the creation of T-shirts featuring Wheeler’s quote: “That’s a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded.” These red shirts, emblazoned with the quote and an outline of a rooster with Wheeler’s No. 45, were worn by the majority of Phillies players, coaches, and staff before their series opener in Detroit.
Stubbs, known for fostering clubhouse culture through custom shirts, explained that the T-shirts were more than just a joke; they conveyed a message of support. He clarified that the shirts signified Wheeler’s deservingness of an All-Star spot and expressed the team’s view that his exclusion was unjust. Wheeler himself was unaware of Stubbs’ plan but reacted with laughter when presented with a shirt on Friday.
The delivery of the shirts, created with the company BreakingT, faced delays due to bad weather affecting shipment to Comerica Park in Detroit. However, a Phillies fan working for UPS in Michigan intervened to ensure the shirts arrived on time. Stubbs commented on this incident as a testament to the dedication of the Phillies’ fan base, noting their willingness to go the extra mile to support the team. He hopes to arrange for the UPS worker to attend a game at Comerica Park as a token of gratitude.
Interim manager Don Mattingly was also seen wearing the shirt during his pregame media availability, further demonstrating the team’s solidarity with Wheeler. Stubbs reiterated his belief that Wheeler’s numbers are incredible, and he represents the league well, deserving an All-Star selection.
Approximately 30 minutes before the first pitch on Friday, Justin Crawford was scratched from the lineup due to left knee soreness, with Derek Hill taking his place. Cristopher Sánchez (10-4, 2.62 ERA) is scheduled to make his final start before the All-Star break on Saturday against Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (4-5, 2.64).
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Source: eu.usatoday.com
