Phillies' Zack Wheeler rips All-Star snub as 'BS', then delivers 14-strikeout 'reminder'
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler called his All-Star Game exclusion 'kind of BS', blamed a Sunday start rule, and then struck out 14 batters in a win over the Reds as a pointed reminder of his value.
Zack Wheeler, a 36-year-old pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, was left off the MLB All-Star Game roster. He called the snub 'kind of BS' and blamed a Sunday start rule for his exclusion. Days later, he struck out 14 batters against the Cincinnati Reds, tying his career high, and said the performance was a 'reminder' of his merit.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler struck out 14 batters in a win over the Cincinnati Reds, then called his All-Star Game snub "kind of BS" and blamed a Sunday start rule for his exclusion. Wheeler, 36, said the 14-strikeout performance—which tied his career high—served as a "reminder" that Major League Baseball erred by leaving him off the roster. He has repeatedly stated that he has earned an All-Star selection and that the league's scheduling rule, which he called "B.S.," denied him the spot. The outburst and dominant outing come as the Phillies push for a wild-card berth, with Wheeler scheduled to start against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. His frustration underscores a broader tension between individual merit and MLB’s selection mechanics, even as Wheeler’s own health and recent poor performance against the Marlins—which he said was not injury-related—complicate his case.
Wheeler blasts All-Star snub as 'BS', blames MLB rule
Zack Wheeler, the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, has publicly criticized Major League Baseball for excluding him from this year’s All-Star Game roster, calling the decision “kind of BS.” According to Wheeler, a league rule he described as “B.S.” is responsible for the snub. He said he feels he has earned an All-Star selection and blamed a Sunday start rule for his omission. Wheeler’s comments came after he was left off the roster, a move he called a mistake by MLB. The 36-year-old right-hander said his exclusion is unjustified, asserting that his performance this season merits a spot on the team.
Wheeler said being left off the All-Star Game roster is 'kind of BS'.
14-strikeout game fuels Wheeler's argument
Days after calling his All-Star omission “BS,” Zack Wheeler delivered a performance he framed as evidence. The 36-year-old Phillies right-hander struck out 14 batters against the Cincinnati Reds, a total that reports suggest tied his career high. Wheeler described the outing as a “reminder” of his ability, according to statements he made. The 14-strikeout game followed his criticism of MLB for a rule he said denied him an All-Star spot, though the complaint and the performance were separate events. Wheeler’s sinker sat at 91 mph during the game.
Sunday start rule, health setback, and retirement shift
Zack Wheeler said a Sunday start rule is the reason he was left off the All-Star roster. Under the rule, pitchers who start on the Sunday before the All-Star break are ineligible to pitch in the game. Wheeler called the rule “B.S.” and said MLB made a mistake by not selecting him.
Wheeler also discussed a sudden change in his retirement plans after a major health setback. He did not specify the nature of the setback or his revised timeline. According to Wheeler, his poor performance against the Miami Marlins was not related to his health. He said he was ready for his scheduled start against the Orioles and threw his bullpen session Friday at Camden Yards.
Upcoming start against Orioles amid playoff push
Zack Wheeler was scheduled to start Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, with Kyle Bradish opposing him. According to Wheeler, he was ready for that assignment after throwing his scheduled bullpen session on Friday at the ballpark. At the time, both the Phillies and the Orioles were struggling and competing for wild card positioning, making the matchup significant for each club’s postseason hopes.
Background: From Mets to Phillies, and a TV namesake
Zack Wheeler’s full name is Zachary Harrison Wheeler. He pitches for the Philadelphia Phillies after spending the first part of his career with the New York Mets. His name also belongs to a character from a short-lived 1970s television show. The Texas Wheelers, a sitcom that aired in 1974 and 1975, featured a character named Zack Wheeler—a long-lost father who returns to raise his children in rural Texas. The real Wheeler is 36 years old and has been with the Phillies since signing as a free agent before the 2020 season, having established himself as one of the team’s top starters.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Zack Wheeler say he was left off the All-Star roster?
According to Wheeler, he was left off the All-Star Game roster due to a rule he called 'B.S.' that he blamed on a Sunday start. He said MLB erred in excluding him and that his 14-strikeout performance against the Reds was a reminder of his merit.
How many strikeouts did Zack Wheeler have in his game against the Reds?
According to Wheeler, he struck out 14 batters in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, tying his career high. He said the performance should serve as a reminder that MLB made a mistake by not selecting him for the All-Star Game.
How old is Zack Wheeler and what team does he play for?
According to Wheeler, he is 36 years old. He is a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball and previously played for the New York Mets.
What did Zack Wheeler say about his retirement plans changing?
According to Wheeler, he gave a two-word response regarding a sudden change in his retirement plans after a major health setback. The briefing does not specify what the two words were or the nature of the health setback.
What did Zack Wheeler say about his sinker velocity and his health?
According to Wheeler, he threw a 91 mph sinker during a game. He also said his health was not the reason for his poor performance against the Marlins, and he was ready to start on Sunday against the Orioles.
Compiled from reporting by 9 independent outlets. How we source our reporting.
