Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler will not pitch in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game next week.
Wheeler plans to step away to prioritize rest and prepare for the second half of the season with the Phillies.
“He came in the other day and said he wanted to make sure his body was good coming out of the break and carry on through the rest of the year,” Phillies manager Robert Thomson told reporters regarding Wheeler’s decision. “He wants to do what’s right by the club. I think he’s being smart.”
The starting pitcher has compiled a 9-3 record in 18 games this season. In 116 innings pitched, he’s recorded 148 strikeouts, tied for the second most in the majors this season. He leads the majors in batting average against at .177, his 0.84 WHIP ranks second, and his 2.17 ERA is the third-best this season.
Wheeler is scheduled to start for the Phillies on Saturday, July 12 against Yu Darvish and the San Diego Padres (7:35 p.m. ET, Fox).
MLB announced on its official X account that San Diego Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon has been added as a reserve pitcher for the National League, replacing Wheeler on the roster.
The MLB All-Star Game will be played at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on FOX.