Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler delivered a strong performance against the Detroit Tigers, striking out 10 batters in a 5-0 victory. This outing followed his public comments regarding his exclusion from the MLB All-Star Game and his refusal of a replacement invitation, which he described as a “pity party.”
Wheeler completed six shutout innings, allowing only two hits and two walks, and exited the game after 96 pitches with his team leading. His day concluded with a swinging strikeout of Detroit cleanup hitter Riley Greene. This marks the second time in his career that Wheeler has recorded double-digit strikeouts in three consecutive starts, following a 14-strikeout effort against the Cincinnati Reds and a 10-strikeout game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Wheeler’s All-Star Disappointment
Wheeler expressed his frustration about not being initially selected for the All-Star roster. He stated on Saturday, after declining an invitation to join the National League team as a replacement, that he felt “disrespected.” He emphasized that he did not need a “pity party” or acknowledgment of his recovery from major surgery. Wheeler indicated his intention was always to return to his previous level of performance, or even surpass it.
His agent, B.B. Abbott, also voiced strong criticism of Major League Baseball‘s decision. Abbott described the snub as “tone deaf,” especially given Wheeler’s return to form after undergoing thoracic outlet decompression surgery, which involved the removal of a rib and cut short his bid for the NL Cy Young award last season. Abbott highlighted Wheeler’s determination to return to an elite level, despite facing significant medical challenges, including a thrombolysis procedure to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder.
The pitcher’s agent 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. Abbott believes that MLB has failed to acknowledge Wheeler’s journey and consistent excellence, particularly in light of his recovery from a surgery that few elite pitchers return from at his age.
Impact and Team Reaction
Wheeler’s strong season includes a 2.13 ERA and 0.89 WHIP across 15 starts, with 108 strikeouts and 22 walks in 93 innings pitched. He concludes the first half of the season with a 10-1 record as a starter. If he had enough innings to qualify for the ERA title, he would rank sixth in the NL. His ERA and WHIP would be career lows over a full season.
Inside the Phillies organization, there was considerable disappointment that Wheeler was not honored with an All-Star selection. Many within the team have witnessed his resurgence after a serious injury. The Phillies are well represented in the All-Star Game with five players selected, including Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. Wheeler’s teammate, Cristopher Sánchez, is scheduled to start for the NL in the game, which will be played at Citizens Bank Park, Wheeler’s home stadium.
Wheeler expressed his anger earlier in the week, calling the snub “B.S.” after striking out 14 Reds batters in a 4-1 Phillies win. He felt he had earned the selection. The league’s desire to select pitchers who can actually participate in the game, rather than just honor first-half performers, creates a conflict, according to Abbott. Wheeler is a three-time All-Star. He is making $40 million this year and next.
Source: sports.yahoo.com