Zack Wheeler was visibly upset on Tuesday night, and the Reds bore the brunt of his frustration.
He recorded a season-high 14 strikeouts while permitting just one run over seven impressive innings, leading to a 4-1 victory on the road. Wheeler’s stats post-recovery from Thoracic Outlet Surgery are impressive: 9 wins against 1 loss in 87 innings with a 2.28 ERA, a WHIP of 0.91, and 98 strikeouts.
Despite these numbers, he feels it’s still inadequate for an All-Star nod. Wheeler has expressed disappointment towards a new rule that excludes pitchers scheduled to start on Sunday from participating in the All-Star Game just two days later.
“I’m angry. It’s BS,” he mentioned after the game, revealing that he was informed he wouldn’t be an All-Star due to his pitching schedule. “Maybe if I wasn’t suited for the spot, I wouldn’t feel this way, but I believe I’ve earned it. Just because I pitched on a certain day… I can’t even be there and get that recognition.”
After dealing with TOS, Wheeler returned earlier than expected at the end of April and has been performing consistently.
As a right-handed pitcher, he has formed a dominant duo with left-hander Christopher Sanchez.
Wheeler is slated to pitch in the Phillies’ last game before the All-Star break in Detroit. He mentioned that he usually throws in the bullpen two days after starting and suggested he could pitch for an inning in the All-Star Game.
Even if he is considered for the team due to potential player opt-outs, he wouldn’t be able to contribute meaningfully to the National League team since he is set to start on Sunday, and league rules prohibit him from playing.
His agent, B.B. Abbott, has criticized the baseball community’s choice to leave Wheeler out, especially as the All-Star Game occurs at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies’ home.
“I’m just tone deaf,” Abbott stated. “It’s really tone-deaf overall.” He emphasized the recognition Wheeler deserves, given his injury history and struggles.
The Phillies will still have representation at the All-Star Game with players like Sanchez, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and Joan Duran.
Wheeler, a three-time All-Star and one of the few who successfully returned from TOS surgery, has shown he can perform at a high level. Yet, without intervention from the league, it appears the Phillies’ ace will miss out on next week’s event held in Philadelphia.
