Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has voiced frustration over a rule he described as "BS" that he believes kept him from being named an All-Star this year, despite his strong performance on the mound.
Wheeler, who missed the initial weeks of the season recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome, has since posted a 2.28 earned run average (ERA) and a 0.908 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) in 14 starts. His ERA is the sixth-lowest among pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched, and he is on pace to qualify for the ERA title.
Despite his performance, Wheeler suggested that his pitching schedule, rather than his recovery or statistical output, was the reason for his All-Star exclusion. "I feel like I’ve earned it, and just because I pitch on a certain day, I can’t pitch in the All-Star Game or even be there or get the recognition for it," Wheeler told reporters. "I think it's kind of just a BS rule, just because I pitch on a certain day, I get punished for it, I guess."
Wheeler's typical pitching schedule would have had him lined up to pitch two days before the All-Star Game, which he indicated he would have been willing and able to do. He noted that he would have been available to pitch an inning, as many pitchers selected for the game are. He also mentioned that the second and third days of rest are when he typically throws his bullpen sessions, suggesting his normal routine does not preclude participation.
The selection process for the All-Star Game involves a combination of selections by players and coaches, as well as MLB filling remaining roster spots. While the exact criteria for pitching selections can be influenced by various factors, including availability, the specific rule Wheeler referenced appears to be tied to his scheduled rest days.
Past All-Star selections have also seen players miss out due to MLB's rule requiring at least one player from each team to be represented on the roster, though it is unclear if this impacted Wheeler's case.