Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies missed the opening weeks of the season due to thoracic outlet syndrome. Despite this setback, his current performance on the mound has been impressive. At 36 years old, Wheeler is delivering results worthy of an All-Star title, yet he hasn’t been named one. According to Wheeler, a challenging rule is the reason.
In his 14 starts, Wheeler boasts a 2.28 ERA with 22 earned runs over 87 innings and a WHIP of 0.908. These numbers are on track to be his career best. Currently, Wheeler falls just five innings short of qualifying for the ERA title typically determined by pitching one inning per team game played, which equals 162 innings. Among pitchers with 80 or more innings, his ERA ranks as the sixth-lowest.
Pitching Schedule and All-Star Restrictions
The hindrance keeping Wheeler from participating in the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia is not his earlier injury. Instead, it’s his pitching schedule. Wheeler expressed his frustration: “It p—– me off. It’s kind of BS. Maybe if I wasn’t necessarily right in there, I wouldn’t be saying this, but 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 threw seven innings of one-run baseball against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. This schedule indicates he would pitch again on Sunday, two days before the All-Star Game. Wheeler stated he could throw an inning in the All-Star Game as pitchers normally do during such events.
All-Star Selection Process
The All-Star selections often consider pitching schedules, but it’s unclear if they strictly affect decisions. Typically, All-Star pitching selections result from collaboration between MLB and the MLB Players Association. Five starting pitchers are chosen from each league before MLB fills additional roster spots. This selection process included players like Jacob Misiorowski, Cristopher Sánchez, Chris Sale, Chase Burns, and Paul Skenes.
MLB’s rule mandating representation by at least one player from each team has previously resulted in player snubs. While All-Stars were announced recently, more reserves may be added based on player availability.
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