Phillies: Zack Wheeler’s Brother Shows Support after ASG
By now, everyone knows that Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler got the short end of the stick in this week’s All-Star Game.
When Mets star Jacob deGrom announced that he wouldn’t be participating in this year’s game, many presumed Wheeler would take his spot as the NL starter. Instead, NL squad manager Dave Roberts chose Nationals star Max Scherzer, for a variety of possible reasons.
Instead of getting to start, or even getting to pitch a full inning, Roberts didn’t call for Wheeler until the ninth inning, with two outs already on the board. Wheels struck out the only batter he faced on three straight pitches, but the damage was already done.
Plenty of players on the All-Star roster didn’t appear in the game at all, but few have had as excellent of a first half as Wheeler. He’s thrown more innings than any pitcher in MLB, has the third-most strikeouts, and his ERA is ranked fourth in the NL (fifth overall).
Many Phillies fans, fans of other teams with discerning eyes, and Phillies players took to Twitter to support Wheeler and criticize Roberts, most recently, Wheeler’s own brother, Jacob.
https://twitter.com/DigitalJacob/status/1415355864186343426?s=20
Jacob Wheeler had to give up sports due to a heart condition he’s had since childhood. He also used to pitch, and was a high school basketball star. He’s now a talented poet and artist.
The ace’s older brother also liked Zach Eflin‘s tweet supporting his rotation-mate:
The disrespect.
— Zach Eflin (@zeflin12) July 14, 2021
Related Story. Zach Eflin, Phillies Call Out All-Star Game after Zack Wheeler Snub. light
Wheeler also liked numerous tweets in support of his pitcher brother, as well as ones that criticized Roberts, who isn’t exactly known for his great pitching decisions. Here are just a few of his faves:
I will not stand for this blatant zack wheeler disrespect
— lauren 🎄 (@philaurdelphia) July 14, 2021
Might even go as far as to argue that Dave Roberts not using Zack Wheeler is the biggest bullpen mistake of his managerial career.
— Jonny Heller (@JonnyHeller) July 14, 2021
Fire Dave Roberts, @MLB
— JoJo Romero Fan Account (@TheRealDB35) July 14, 2021
Where the hell is Zack Wheeler?
— Phillies *NL CHAMPS* Curveball Machine (@phillies_the) July 14, 2021
It’s the top of the fourth inning and arguably the best pitcher in the NL hasn’t entered the All-Star Game yet.
— Destiny Lugardo (@destiny_lugardo) July 14, 2021
We’re not gonna get to see Wheeler pitch to Realmuto because Dave Roberts is the worst manager in the history of baseball
— Sean, Knower of Ball™️ (birds and turner szn) (@SMGPhilly) July 14, 2021
I apologize for the saltiness in some of my tweets tonight but I'm genuinely frustrated for Zack Wheeler because he deserves better than this
— Explaining The Phillies (@ExplainingPhils) July 14, 2021
If Zack Wheeler starts the game, the NL wins. It’s that simple.
— Stephen (13-2) (NL Champs) (87-75) (@Sfmj11) July 14, 2021
You'd think Zack Wheeler would have been the 1st, 2nd or 3rd pitcher that the NL used based on his stats. Apparently Dave Roberts is managing to lose not win. #phillies #allstargame
— D Grey (@dbgrey1) July 14, 2021
Dave Roberts is apparently still mad that Zack Wheeler went 6 scoreless innings against the Dodgers without anything near his best stuff.
— Nathan Ackerman (@NathanAckerman_) July 14, 2021
He even liked one of our tweets!
TBH Wheeler is probably the most effective closer the Phillies have
— PHILLIES TBOH (@FS_TBOH) July 14, 2021
Now that the All-Star Game is over, Phillies fans can look ahead. The Dodgers come to town on August 10, and you can bet Phillies fans will make their opinions about his All-Star management known.
light. Related Story. Fans Have Interesting Theory about Zack Wheeler’s All-Star Snub