Philadelphia pitcher Zack Wheeler struck out 14 Cincinnati batters in a seven-inning masterpiece to lead the Phillies to a 4-1 victory over the Reds on Tuesday night.
Wheeler, a three-time All-Star – including two straight in 2024 and 2025 – would not take part in his third consecutive All-Star Game slated at the pitcher’s home field at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14.
The 36-year-old, two-time National League Cy Young runnerup, felt his scheduled weekend start is the reason for his non-inclusion.
His pitching masterclass served notice, giving the selectors a loud statement that said he should pitch at CBP for the ASG as a replacement to initially-chosen pitchers Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh), Jacob Misiorowski (Milwaukee) and Max Meyer (Miami).
Zack Wheeler not pleased with All-Star snub
Skenes, Misiorowski and Meyer – who, like Wheeler, will pitch in the weekend – had to be replaced by Riley O’Brien of St. Louis, Philadelphia’s Jesus Luzardo and Pittsburgh’s Braxton Ashcraft.
And the veteran hurler was not pleased and said what was on his mind after the game.
“It pisses me off and it’s kind of BS,” Wheeler told NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“Just because I pitch on a certain day, I get – you know – I don’t even know the right word.”
“Because I pitch on a certain day, I can’t pitch in the All-Star game or even be there or get the recognition.”
Wheeler, who is slated to pitch in the Phillies game against Detroit on July 12, expressed willingness to pitch an inning in the All-Star game on two days’ rest, when he would normally be throwing anyway in a bullpen session.
“It’s kind of a BS rule that just because I pitch on a certain day I get punished,” he said.
“I’ll be fine throwing an inning. But it’s not even an option, I guess.”
The veteran pitcher felt he earned a right to play in the All-Star Game and insisted there are certain ways to place him there.
Wheeler struck out 13 batters in six innings and held the Reds scoreless until Eugenio Suarez homered in the seventh inning to cut the deficit to 3-1.
He concluded his game, putting out three straight batters, including his 14th and last strikeout over Tyler Stephenson.
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Teammate Kyle Schwarber understands Zack Wheeler’s contention
All-Star designated hitter and Wheeler’s teammate Kyle Schwarber expressed understanding as to why his teammate is frustrated.
The four-time All-Star took note of where his teammate is coming from, saying that it is a matter of looking back and feeling “like you have some things that put some feathers in the cap.”
“When someone deserves it, you want them to get that acknowledgment,” Schwarber, who hit his season-best 31st home run on Tuesday that gave the Phillies a 3-0 lead early in the game, said.
Philadelphia’s win over the Reds moved them two games behind rival Atlanta Braves in the race for the National League East lead.
Aside from Luzardo and Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, Bryce Harper, Jhoan Duran and Cristopher Sanchez were also due to take part in the Midsummer Classic.
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