Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has expressed frustration over not being able to participate in the All-Star Game, despite his impressive performance this season. Wheeler, who is 36 years old, has recovered from thoracic outlet syndrome and is pitching like an All-Star. However, he has not been named to the team and feels a “BS rule” is to blame.

In 14 starts, Wheeler has a stellar 2.28 ERA and a 0.908 WHIP, both of which are career bests. He is five innings short of qualifying for the ERA title, and among pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched, his ERA ranks as the sixth-lowest.

“It p***** me off. It’s kind of BS, so. Maybe if I wasn’t necessarily right in there, I wouldn’t be saying this, but I feel like I’ve earned it, and just because I pitch on a certain day, I can’t pitch in the All-Star Game or even be there or get the recognition for it,” Wheeler said.

The All-Star Game will take place in his home ballpark, adding to his disappointment. Wheeler emphasized that his pitching schedule, not his prior injury, is the reason he isn’t eligible to play. His performance against the Cincinnati Reds, where he pitched seven innings allowing just one run and striking out 14, would align him to start the Sunday before the All-Star Game.

Wheeler mentioned that his routine includes throwing on the second and third days of rest, suggesting he would have been ready to pitch an inning in the All-Star Game.

The selection of players for the All-Star Game involves the MLB and the MLB Players Association, with players and coaches choosing five starting pitchers per league. Some selections this year included Jacob Misiorowski and Cristopher Sánchez. Despite having All-Stars announced earlier this week, there is a possibility of more reserves being added, with availability considerations.