Zack Wheeler rejects All-Star Game invite after snubs: 'Not gonna be the fifth option' - ESPN

Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler said he declined an invitation to be added to the National League All-Star roster, adding that he felt «disrespected» by being snubbed multiple times.

Wheeler did not make the initial NL All-Star roster, which was revealed last weekend, and also was not among several replacement additions announced Tuesday.

The veteran right-hander told reporters that he was invited Friday by Major League Baseball to join the NL roster as an injury replacement but refused, saying he was «not gonna be the fifth option.»

«They disrespected me, so I'm just not gonna participate in that thing,» Wheeler said Saturday, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Wheeler is 9-1 with a 2.28 ERA in 14 starts this season, his seventh with the Phillies. He emphasized that he does not have a problem with the All-Star Game itself, calling it a «privilege,» but said his issue was with MLB's selection process.

«Maybe I didn't earn it from the get-go, but maybe just second choice,» Wheeler said. «Once I feel like they kind of messed that up, I'm out.»

Wheeler's All-Star candidacy became a talking point Tuesday, when he tied a career-high with 14 strikeouts against the Cincinnati Reds hours after not being included in the NL's initial list of roster replacements. He said his performance should serve as a «reminder for whoever needs to be reminded.»

Despite missing the first month of the season while recovering from thoracic outlet surgery, Wheeler has been one of the NL's best pitchers again in 2026, posting a 0.91 WHIP and a 4.3 WAR while striking out 98 batters over 87 innings.

Wheeler, 36, said he doesn't think his comeback story should be a factor in his All-Star candidacy.

«I don't need someone to say that, 'Oh, he's