Phillies' Zack Wheeler's All-Star snub gets worse amid Justin Verlander news

Jul 08, 2026 - 17:40

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Phillies' Zack Wheeler's All-Star snub gets worse amid Justin Verlander news originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies have six players heading to the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, with Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, Bryce Harper, Cristopher Sanchez, Jhoan Duran, and now even Jesus Luzardo being named to the All-Star team.

However, Zack Wheeler, despite being one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, was left off the All-Star team. It's a terrible snub, and a day after Wheeler struck out 14 batters in seven innings against the Cincinnati Reds, this snub got even worse.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that MLB announced Justin Verlander as a "Legends Pick" for the All-Star Game. That means Verlander, who's made one start with a 12.27 ERA this year, is an All-Star, while Wheeler is not.

Zack Wheeler's All-Star snub just got so much worse

"MLB announces that Justin Verlander has been named to the AL All-Star roster as a 'Legend Pick,'" Feinsand reports. "The 43-year-old, who has been on the Injured List since early April, will not be active at the All-Star Game, but will attend and be honored during the festivities in Philadelphia."

Verlander doesn't deserve to be an All-Star based on his 2026 season, as he went just 3.2 innings, allowing five runs for a 12.27 ERA in one start this year before landing on the injured list, where he's been since that early-season start.

But, as a "Legends Pick," it's not an offensive nod, as this is a common thing used to honor players at the end of their careers. Plus, it doesn't take a roster spot from a different All-Star; it's just a bonus selection to honor an MLB legend.

MORE: Phillies’ Cristopher Sanchez is planned NL All-Star starter

However, from the Phillies' and Wheeler's perspective, being passed over like he has, despite his 9-1 record, 2.28 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and 0.91 WHIP in 87 innings across 14 starts since coming back from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, is a frustrating situation.

Just as Verlander is being named to the All-Star team, but won't pitch, Wheeler should get this honor and the accolade, even if he's not going to pitch.

Wheeler isn't getting this All-Star nod since he's pitching on Sunday, and anyone who pitches on Sunday (July 12) before the July 14 All-Star Game can't pitch in the All-Star Game. He's being passed up for this accolade for a ridiculous reason.

Now, with Verlander getting an All-Star nod this season, even if it's deserved, it makes the Wheeler snub look a lot worse. There's no reason why Wheeler shouldn't be an All-Star this year. And yet, he's not likely to get his deserved accolade.