Zack Wheeler doesn’t need your pity.
The Philadelphia Phillies ace said he’s declined an invite to the MLB All-Star Game after feeling “disrespected” over multiple snubs.
Not only was Wheeler not named an All-Star when the rosters were made official last weekend, but the 36-year-old righty also wasn’t among the replacement additions announced Tuesday.
He did say he got an invite Friday to join the summer showcase as an injury replacement, but he didn’t want to “be the fifth option.”
“They disrespected me, so I’m just not going to participate in that thing,” Wheeler said Saturday, per NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The veteran hurler has had an All-Star-caliber season. However, Wheeler has only pitched 93 innings over 15 starts after missing the first month of the season while recovering from thoracic outlet surgery.
“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.”
His two most recent starts have served as sharp arguments for MLB making a major mistake. Wheeler tied a career high with 14 strikeouts this past Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds before besting Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal on Sunday with six shutout innings and 10 punchouts.
Wheeler improved to 10-1 with Sunday’s win, and his 2.13 ERA is only bested by Jacob Misiorowski in the National League.
The three-time All-Star called the star-studded exhibition match a “privilege” and said it would’ve been more meaningful to attend this year because of his return from surgery.
“It’s personal to me, and I really tried hard to get back to where I was,” he said. “This is hard work, appreciation of everybody who kind of helped me get back to where I am now.”
What’s more, the All-Star Game will be played Tuesday at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia. While Wheeler won’t be there, six of his teammates will represent the Phillies: Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Cristopher Sanchez, Jhoan Duran, Brandon Marsh and late addition Jesus Luzardo.
