The Phillies may have found a way to keep Zack Wheeler in the All-Star mix after all.
Wheeler was already left off the initial National League roster, and because he’s scheduled to start Sunday’s first-half finale in Detroit, he was also on track to miss out on a reserve spot. Under the usual rules, a starter who pitches Sunday, July 12, before the July 14 All-Star Game wouldn’t be eligible to throw in the game.
But according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Wheeler has said he would still pitch in Tuesday’s All-Star Game even with that Sunday start on the calendar. That puts the decision squarely in MLB’s hands.
It’s a notable stance for a pitcher who has put together an All-Star-worthy first half. Wheeler owns a 2.28 ERA, a 9-1 record and 4.3 bWAR, and his 14-strikeout outing against the Cincinnati Reds only added to the case that he belongs in the game.
The Phillies, for their part, don’t sound like they’re standing in the way.
“I'd be OK with it,” Don Mattingly said. “I haven't talked to Dave (Dombrowski).
Nobody's asked that question. Hypotheticals are always dangerous.
But, I mean, if guys really want to do something, and they feel like they can do it...”
Mattingly, the interim manager, said enough to suggest the club is at least open to the idea. Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham was even more direct.
“I trust Zack,” Cotham said, adding that Wheeler should have the chance to go if he believes he’s ready.
There’s also a practical angle here. Wheeler normally throws a bullpen two days after a start, so the timing of the All-Star Game could line up with that part of his routine.
For now, Wheeler says he’ll be good to pitch, and the Phillies aren’t shutting the door. That leaves MLB to decide whether Wheeler ends up getting the All-Star nod he’s already earned on performance.
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