Phillies’ Zack Wheeler won’t pitch in the All-Star game: ‘He wants to do what’s right by the club’

SAN DIEGO — Zack Wheeler came into Rob Thomson’s office earlier this week and told his manager that he wouldn’t be pitching in the All-Star game.

Since Wheeler had been selected to the National League roster last week, the question had been whether he would get the honor of starting in his hometown. Entering Friday, the Smyrna, Ga., native led the NL in strikeouts, WHIP, and opposing batting average, and he ranked second in ERA.

But Wheeler decided he had his sights set on something bigger than an inning in Atlanta.

“He wanted to make sure his body was in good shape coming out of the break and carry on through the rest of the year,” Thomson said. “He wants to do what’s right by the club.”

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Wheeler has stated that his goal each season is to win a Cy Young as the top pitcher in the NL. The award has so far remained elusive, though Wheeler has finished runner-up twice, including last season behind Atlanta’s Chris Sale.

Wheeler has put together a strong case to finally summit the mountain over the first half of 2025. He has already thrown 116 innings this season, and after his next scheduled start on Saturday will have almost certainly surpassed the 116 ⅔ he had pitched at the break in 2024.

While it was Wheeler’s decision alone to skip the game, Thomson said he appreciates a star player putting his team ahead of personal achievements.

“I’ve been through [the All-Star week] a couple times, and it’s tiring, it really is,” Thomson said. “So I’m happy that he’s decided to make the best decision for him, which ends up being probably the best decision for us.”

The Phillies’ only All-Star planned to attend the game is designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Wheeler was replaced on the roster by Padres relief pitcher Adrian Morejon, who received his first career selection.

Including Wheeler, five National League pitchers have opted out of the game so far. Neither Cristopher Sánchez nor Ranger Suárez have been named replacements. Sánchez was passed over multiple times despite ranking fourth in ERA (2.59) and tying for fifth in quality starts (12).

Though Sánchez is scheduled to start Sunday and would therefore be unable to play in the All-Star game, Thomson was surprised he hasn’t received even a symbolic nod.

“They gotta have enough pitchers to pitch,” Thomson said. “And he wasn’t voted in, right? So I think it’s easy for them to switch up and get somebody who they know is going to be able to give them an inning.”

Mick Abel made his first start on Thursday since being demoted to triple A Lehigh Valley. He held the Syracuse Mets to one hit and one walk over six scoreless innings.

“Really good,” Thomson said. “He touched 98 [mph]. [Threw] 72% 3-2 pitch strikes. Just filled up the strike zone. Was confident, poised, landed his breaking ball. I’m really happy. I’m really proud of him.”

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Abel had been sent down to recapture his command after struggling over his last few major league starts.

“That’s what I’m most proud of. He bucked up and got back to who he is, kept it really simple, and attacked the zone,” Thomson said.

Wheeler (9-3, 2.17 ERA) is scheduled to start on Saturday against Padres right-hander Yu Darvish (0-1,4.91). Darvish will be making his second appearance of the season after missing time due to right elbow inflammation.