Phillies' Zack Wheeler declines late All-Star Game invite after complaining about snub

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler says a "BS rule" regarding pitching schedules is keeping him from being named an All-Star this year. (This video contains AI-assisted content.)

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has no interest in appearing in the MLB All-Star Game even after receiving a late invitation to the Midsummer Classic.

Wheeler was initially unable to have the chance to pitch at Citizens Bank Ballpark, his home stadium, because of his pitching schedule. The pitching schedules have determined who is available for the Midsummer Classic, but it's not known whether they have strictly determined All-Star selections.

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler pitches during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Philadelphia. (Matt Slocum/AP Photo)

He was invited to join the roster Friday as an injury replacement but declined, saying he was "not gonna be the fifth option."

"Because they disrespected me," he said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. "So I’m just not gonna participate in that thing."

Wheeler made clear he wasn’t criticizing the event itself, calling it a "privilege" to participate in it. However, it was the initial snub that didn’t sit well with him.

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler throws during the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

"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