The National League All-Star team manager was Dave Roberts from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last night, the AL defeated the NL 5-2 in the Midsummer Classic. The Phillies had two players participating in the game, with JT Realmuto and Zack Wheeler. Realmuto started behind the plate for the NL team and went 1-for-2 with a home run and a strikeout. 

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As for Zack Wheeler, he entered the All-Star break tied for first in the NL in WAR, second in strikeouts, and fourth in the NL in overall ERA. So it was weird that Wheeler, didn’t pitch until the ninth inning of the All-Star game. Last night was Wheeler’s first All-Star appearance. Outside of Jacob deGrom, who opted out, the next pitcher up should have been Wheeler. Instead, Roberts and the National League team went with Max Scherzer to start the game. 

With two outs in the top of the ninth inning, Wheeler faced one batter and threw a total of three pitches, striking out Matt Olson on two 100 mph fastballs and a slider. 

The question still remained. Why did Wheeler not pitch until the ninth inning? I honestly have no idea. Of course, it’s always nice to see your team be represented at the All-Star game. Wheeler has certainly proved that he deserved the spotlight throughout the season. 

Phillies fans all over social media found it extremely disrespectful and it’s hard to argue with them. Zach Eflin also chimed in via Twitter and the Phillies cosigned his tweet. 

Regardless, it’s actually not the worst thing that’s happened. Wheeler leads the majors with 119 2/3 innings. He is third in strikeouts at 145 and fifth in ERA at 2.26. Let our guy get some rest and gear up for the second half of the season that starts Friday with a doubleheader against the Miami Marlins. 

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images