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Zack Wheeler Omitted From Initial 2026 National League All-Star Roster and Declines Replacement Invitation
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler posted a 2.13 ERA in 15 starts after returning from thoracic outlet surgery but was left off the initial National League roster. Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale publicly questioned the omission during a podcast appearance.
Jul 18, 6:30 AM·1m read1 source
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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler, who missed all of spring training and much of the opening month while recovering from thoracic outlet surgery, was omitted from the initial National League All-Star roster for 2026 despite a 2.13 ERA across 15 starts, Forbes reported.
Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale, who earned his tenth All-Star selection this year, addressed the omission during an appearance on Foul Territory. “I’d like to stay away from the drama as much as possible, but I like Zack a lot, I think he’s one of the best pitchers in our game,” Sale said.
He added that thoracic outlet surgery is “a tough one to come back from” and called the exclusion “a head-scratcher,” noting that Wheeler’s numbers exceeded his own.
Wheeler declined a late replacement invitation extended days before the All-Star break, which was held in Philadelphia. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts assembled the initial roster. Sale’s comments echoed reactions from other players who viewed the original selection as overlooking Wheeler’s performance.
