Zack Wheeler declines All-Star Game invitation, citing disrespect
Wheeler’s Decision and Reasoning
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler has declined an invitation from Major League Baseball to join the National League All-Star Game roster as a replacement player. Wheeler, who is scheduled to start on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, informed reporters on Saturday, July 11, that he did not wish to be considered a “fifth choice” and expressed feeling “disrespected” by his initial exclusion from the roster.
Wheeler stated, “Because they disrespected me. So I’m just not gonna participate in that thing.” He noted that MLB contacted him on Thursday to offer the replacement spot, but his decision had already been made. “I’m not gonna be, like, the fifth option,” Wheeler added. “Maybe I didn’t earn it at the, from the get-go, but maybe just second choice. Once I feel like they kind of messed that up, I’m out.”
The pitcher emphasized the significance of the All-Star designation for players. “Guys do take a lot of pride to having the All-Star next to your name,” Wheeler said. “During your career and after your career. And people who build them stuff after your career might look at that, too. For somebody to kind of take that away from me, it doesn’t sit the best.”
Agent’s Criticism and Wheeler’s Comeback
Wheeler’s agent, B.B. Abbott, also voiced strong criticism regarding MLB’s handling of the All-Star selections. Abbott expressed his frustration on Saturday night when the All-Star Game rosters were revealed, calling the situation “tone deaf.” He highlighted Wheeler’s remarkable return to form after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery last season and missing the beginning of the current season. Wheeler has been considered one of the sport’s top starting pitchers since his activation on April 25.
Abbott, an executive vice president at The Team, noted that Wheeler ranks first among starters in fWAR since 2017 and has held hitters to a .580 OPS this season, which is fourth in the NL. Despite these statistics, Wheeler was not among the top five NL starters on the players’ ballot. Abbott argued that MLB should have acknowledged Wheeler’s journey and performance, especially with the game being held in his home ballpark, Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
The agent recounted Wheeler’s determination during his recovery from a thrombolysis procedure to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder, followed by another surgery. According to Abbott, Wheeler’s focus was always on returning to his elite level, aiming to win the World Series and a Cy Young award. Abbott stated that Wheeler’s consistent excellence has often been overlooked, describing him as a “boring” player who simply performs his job effectively.
Within the Phillies organization, there was significant disappointment over Wheeler’s initial snub. Teammates, coaches, and staff have witnessed his resurgence after a serious injury. Abbott believes MLB had an opportunity to honor Wheeler by naming him to the initial roster and then replacing him, allowing him to participate in the All-Star ceremonies and be recognized for his first-half performance and comeback.
All-Star Selection Process and Player Impact
The process for selecting All-Star pitchers is often challenging, as they are primarily chosen by their peers rather than through fan voting. Former Phillies left-handed pitcher Cole Hamels commented on the “very unfair” rule that makes a pitcher ineligible to play in the All-Star Game if they start on the final Sunday of the first half of the season. This rule, according to Hamels, can penalize deserving pitchers like Wheeler.
Hamels emphasized that being an All-Star carries significant weight for a player’s career and post-retirement recognition. He suggested that without the All-Star designation, a player’s impressive season statistics might be overlooked in favor of career All-Star appearances, Cy Young awards, and World Series championships. Hamels stated, “He should be an All-Star.”
Wheeler himself tied his career high with 14 strikeouts in a 4-1 Phillies win against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, July 7. He indicated that being left off the initial National League roster provided extra motivation for that performance. The MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 14.
The league’s desire to select pitchers who can actually participate in the game often conflicts with recognizing the best first-half performers. Wheeler, a three-time All-Star, is highly regarded across the league. Joe Ryan, an All-Star starter for the Minnesota Twins, cited Wheeler as a model for evolving with age, praising his ability to keep hitters off balance with a diverse arsenal.
Abbott acknowledged that some might view his comments as grandstanding, but he asserted that speaking out for Wheeler was the “right thing to do.” He believes that MLB’s failure to acknowledge Wheeler’s achievements, particularly his return from a challenging injury, demonstrates a significant oversight. The All-Star Game is set to take place at Wheeler’s home ballpark, Citizens Bank Park, in Philadelphia.
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Source: eu.usatoday.com
