Philadelphia Phillies
· 2026-07-07
Philadelphia Phillies star pitcher Zack Wheeler was left off the 2026 National League All‑Star roster, prompting his agent B.B. Abbott to publicly condemn the decision. Wheeler, who posted a 2.36 ERA over 13 starts (80 innings) after thoracic outlet surgery, remains a top‑tier arm for a club now 5th in the NL at 50‑41 and on a two‑game losing streak.
Abbott argued the snub ignores Wheeler’s recent dominance: he leads NL starters in fWAR since 2017 and has held hitters to a .580 OPS this season, fourth in the league. The pitcher’s health scare last August— a clot near his right shoulder that could have been fatal— required immediate thrombolysis and a second surgery. Yet Wheeler returned to his pre‑injury form, a fact Abbott says MLB ignored in favor of “tone‑deaf” voting.
Philadelphia fields five All‑Star selections, the most for any team this year. Bryce Harper earned a “Legend” slot from Commissioner Rob Manfred, while Kyle Schwarber is slated for the Home Run Derby. Christopher Sánchez may start the NL’s opening game. The only missing piece is Wheeler, whose absence is felt by teammates and coaches who witnessed his rehab first‑hand.
The Phillies sit 5th in the National League with a 50‑41 record, trailing the division leader by a handful of games. Their most recent outing was a 15‑1 loss to the Kansas City Royals on July 6, 2026, a setback that underscores the need for a reliable ace. If Wheeler were to pitch the scheduled start on Sunday, he would be ineligible for the All‑Star Game, and even a replacement role would force him to throw an inning just two days after a start— a risk Abbott says the club can’t afford.
Philadelphia’s next game is against the Cincinnati Reds on July 7, 2026. Wheeler is expected to take the mound, aiming to add another quality start to his 2.36 ERA line and prove his worth ahead of any future All‑Star considerations. The club’s front office, led by GM Sam Fuld, will likely use Wheeler’s performance as leverage in any dialogue with MLB officials about the selection process.
Phillies fans have taken to social media, chanting “Wheeler for All‑Star!” and sharing clips of his recent strikeout streaks. Local sports talk shows feature heated debates, with many arguing that the league’s voting system favors market size over merit. Abbott, a veteran agent of 25 years, says this is the first time he’s spoken out publicly during a season, underscoring the depth of frustration within the Phillies camp.
MLB officials point out that only four of the nine NL starters were chosen by the league, suggesting a blend of fan, player, and executive input. Abbott counters that the process failed to account for recent medical adversity and statistical excellence. As the Phillies chase a postseason berth, the conversation about fairness in All‑Star voting may gain momentum, especially if Wheeler continues to dominate on the mound.