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Zack Wheeler Declines MLB All-Star Replacement Invitation
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler turned down a last-minute 2026 All-Star Game spot after initially being left off the roster. He cited feeling disrespected by the process. The game is scheduled for July 14 at Citizens Bank Park.
Jul 11, 5:02 PM·1m read2 sources
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Zack Wheeler declined MLB’s last-minute invitation to the 2026 All-Star Game. nypost.com reported that the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher said he felt disrespected and did not want to be treated like a fifth option. “They disrespected me, so I’m not going to participate,” Wheeler told reporters on Saturday.
He had been willing to pitch despite a scheduled start the Sunday before the July 14 game. Wheeler posted a 2.28 ERA over 14 starts since returning from thoracic outlet syndrome and held a 9-1 record at the time of selections. In his most recent outing he struck out 14 batters and allowed one run in seven innings against the Cincinnati Reds.
Six other Phillies players—Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Jesus Luzardo, Brandon Marsh, Christopher Sanchez and Jhoan Duran—will appear in the July 14 game at Citizens Bank Park. Wheeler, 36, is a three-time All-Star who was initially omitted from the roster.
Former Phillies star Jimmy Rollins said he “100 percent believe[s] [Wheeler] was snubbed from being an All-Star” and pointed to Wheeler’s nine wins in the first half of the season.
