The Phillies have another All-Star arm on the National League team for July’s Midsummer Classic at Citizens Bank Park. But it’s not who you’d expect. When Zack Wheeler was not announced as the third Phillies pitcher to make the All-Star Game alongside Cristopher Sanchez and Jhoan Duran, many believed veteran righty Wheeler was a snub from the NL roster.
As it turns out, Wheeler is part of the group that includes named All-Stars Jacob Misiorowski, Paul Skenes and Max Meyer who will not be able participate in the game due to their scheduled Sunday starts. Instead, the league chose to boost Jesús Luzardo to the National League roster as a pitching reserve.
It’s the 28-year old’s first All-Star Game nod, and it will be in front of his home crowd. The stars aligned for the Peruvian-born southpaw, who is currently lined up to pitch five days before the game, as he is slotted in for a start on Thursday against the Reds. Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien and Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft will also make the trip to South Philly, filling in the team’s pitching holes.
This season, the lefty owns a 7-4 record with a 3.75 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 103 1/3 innings, which is fifth across the majors. While Luzardo is having a solid year, it’s hard to think that he should have a spot over Wheeler (if both were eligible). Before his start against the Reds tonight, the 36-year old three-time All-Star stood out with a stellar 2.36 ERA and an outstanding 8-1 record.
Who else will be joining Phillies' Luzardo on the National League All-Star roster?
Luzardo’s addition gives the Phillies six All-Stars, which is just behind 2024’s eight selections for the most in franchise history. Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Brandon Marsh join Luzardo, Sanchez and Duran on the NL roster. While having extra All-Star in front of a packed CBP should add more thrill, it’s hard not to feel for Wheeler, who has looked like his old self post-thoracic outlet decompression surgery.
Still, the excitement will be at an all-time high next week, with the All-Star Game festivities set to begin on Monday when the Home Run Derby tees off. Schwarber is almost a lock to defend his electric showing in last year’s derby. Harper, who won the 2018 derby, said he wants to compete but is unsure of who will be throwing to him. On Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. EST, the first pitch of the All-Star Game will be thrown, with many hoping that Sanchez will be the one to toe the rubber as the starter. Luzardo and Duran will both be relief pitchers at National League manager Dave Roberts’ disposal for the rest of the night.
Add us as a preferred source on Google