Phillies

Pissed Off Zack Wheeler Just Might Save the Season

By Nick Piccone

Published: Jul 12th, 2026 · 10:40 AM EDT

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Forget about a right-handed bat. A fifth starter? Pfft. Left-handed reliever? Yawn. What might give the Phillies an edge heading into the second half of this season and [hopefully] playoff berth is a pissed off Zack Wheeler.

We first discovered Wheeler was capable of showing emotions this season during a postgame interview after he was yanked by manager Don Mattingly before getting through five innings against the Pirates on July 1st. “I feel like I’ve earned that,” he said after the game. Not long after, Wheeler was passed over for the All-Star Game, despite looking like Zack Wheeler after returning from thoracic outlet decompression surgery last year.

“I feel like that’s kind of a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded,” Wheeler said after striking out 14 Cincinnati Reds in his last start.

Wheeler self-admittedly is inching towards the end of his career. He said before he planned to retire after the 2027 season, but with at least shortened season almost guaranteed at this point next year, he might not have much time left for nonsense. Wheeler was not named to the National League All-Star roster at first, and then was not named as a replacement. The likely reason is because he is scheduled to pitch today, but he said he would pitch in the All-Star game despite that. Still no dice from the league.

It wasn’t until three days later when the league invited him. He said no.

“Because they disrespected me, so I’m not going to participate in it. I’m not going to be disrespected,” Wheeler said, via The Inquirer. Wheeler felt like the league had plenty of opportunities to reach out to him before they eventually did, making him feel unwanted. He ain’t in it for the, “OK, fine. You can come.” He wants to earn everything and felt like he earned an All-Star nod. And he did.

Last year, the league reportedly offered Cristopher Sánchez a spot on the team after initially being snubbed given he agrees to pitch in the game. With Sánchez scheduled to pitch the Sunday before the game, he reportedly declined. Sánchez and his agent denied the report, saying he was “willing to pitch no matter what.” So, if Wheeler said he was willing to pitch in the All-Star Game and the league didn’t offer him a spot until three days later? You know they probably asked a bunch of others beforehand.

I know all of us would have loved to see Wheeler in the game at Citizens Bank Park, but with how the league bungled the pathway, I have no issue with Wheeler’s decision. It only makes the chip on his shoulder bigger. Could we see a historically good second half out of Wheeler?

I think if we’re being honest with ourselves – despite missing out on Wheeler at the All-Star Game – we should be excited for second half Wheeler after this.