With the 2025 MLB All-Star Game just days away, Philadelphia Phillies fans have been anxiously waiting for the one piece of news that will make the event that much more enjoyable. Everyone has been waiting for the word that Phillies ace Zack Wheeler would be named the starting pitcher for the National League All-Star team.
But there are no doubts anymore about whether Wheeler will get the honor. MLB broke the unfortunate news on Friday afternoon that Wheeler will not even pitch in the All-Star Game, announcing that San Diego Padres' Adrian Morejon will be taking his place on the active roster.
Phillies' All-Star snubs still can't get a sniff despite Zack Wheeler bowing out of Midsummer Classic
The worst part about this news, apart from Phillies fans not getting the chance to see Wheeler pitch, is that the Phillies' other snubbed hurlers were overlooked ... again!
The Phillies have some notable snubs this year, including shortstop Trea Turner. But left-handers Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez were inexplicably left off the initial roster and continue to be overlooked as replacements are named.
Both Sánchez (7-2, 2.59 ERA) and Suárez (7-2, 1.99 ERA) have been ignored three times now, with the Cincinnati Reds' Andrew Abbott, the New York Mets' David Peterson, and now Morejon all being added. The Phillies' All-Star snubs are getting ridiculous at this point.
Morejon, a reliever, has a 1.17 ERA and 0.83 WHIP, which are great numbers, but replacing Wheeler with a reliever doesn't make any sense when there are two top starters waiting for the call.
This year's All-Star Game is being held at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, just a few miles from where Wheeler grew up, so it would have been a well-deserved homecoming for the 35-year-old right-hander who has been putting together a season for the ages, as he somehow keeps getting better with age. Per The Athletic's Matt Gelb, Wheeler opted to sit out the All-Star Game for rest and to prepare for the second half.
Zack Wheeler has been dropped from the NL All-Star roster. He's decided to prioritize rest and prepare for the second half, the Phillies said.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 11, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes was the other likely challenger for the starting gig, so it won't be surprising to see him starting his second consecutive All-Star Game.
Wheeler, now in his sixth season in Philadelphia, has solidified himself as the current favorite to win his first career Cy Young Award with the first half he put together. He has finished second twice, in 2021 and 2024, since signing with the Phillies.
Wheeler is 9-3 in 18 starts. He carries a 2.17 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 148 strikeouts to just 25 walks in 116 innings. He posted an incredible 0.58 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in June that won him National League Pitcher of the Month honors.
Phillies fans can still tune in to see slugger Kyle Schwarber, who was picked as a reserve designated hitter for the NL. Adam Crognale, the Phillies' ball boy, will also be heading to the game, having been voted to the All-Star Ball Crew.
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game takes place on Tuesday, July 15, at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.