Zack Wheeler Declines MLB’s Last-Minute All-Star Invitation

Zack Wheeler declined MLB’s last-minute invitation to the 2026 All-Star Game. The Philadelphia Phillies pitcher told reporters on Saturday that 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 said.

He had been willing to pitch in the game despite a scheduled start the Sunday before the July 14 contest at Citizens Bank Park. Wheeler, 36, is a three-time All-Star who was initially omitted from the roster. He 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. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Jesús Luzardo, Brandon Marsh, Cristopher Sánchez and Jhoan Duran will appear in the game for the Phillies.

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.