Zack Wheeler Declines Late All-Star Invite After Feeling Disrespected by Process DETROIT — Zack Wheeler was left off the National League All-Star roster. Then he was asked to go anyway. Wheeler said Friday that he was invited as a late addition to the All-Star Game but declined, saying he felt disrespected by the way the process played out. Wheeler entered the weekend 9-1 with a 2.28 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 87 innings, a first-half résumé that made the initial omission sting even more. “Because they disrespected me,” Wheeler said. “So I’m just not gonna participate in that thing.” Wheeler said he was asked Friday night before the Phillies opened their weekend series against the Tigers. By then, his decision had already been made. “I’m not gonna be the fifth option,” Wheeler said. Philadelphia Phillies Find the latest Philadelphia Phillies news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Philadelphia. Before Ricky Bottalico was a Phillies voice, 1996 All-Star Game gave him a mic Phillies select Tyler Spangler, a ‘total package' shortstop, in MLB draft Dodgers left-handed starter Justin Wrobleski was added to the roster. The frustration stems from Wheeler being left off the original NL team despite a first half that placed him among the league’s best starters. It was the latest step in a comeback that has turned into one of the more impressive individual stories of the Phillies’ season, and across the league. Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet surgery last year after a blood clot was discovered in his right shoulder. He lost weight, rebuilt strength and pushed through a long rehab to return as one of the sport’s most effective pitchers. Wheeler said he did not need that comeback story to factor into the All-Star decision.#philadelphia_phillies #cristopher_sanchez #zack_wheeler #national_league_all_star_game #philadelphia_phillies_clubhouse
