Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has declined a late invitation to the MLB All-Star Game after being initially snubbed. Wheeler was invited to join the roster as an injury replacement but declined, citing the initial snub as the reason.

Wheeler’s Statement

Wheeler stated that he was ‘not gonna be the fifth option’ and felt disrespected by the initial snub. He made it clear that he wasn’t criticizing the event itself, calling it a ‘privilege’ to participate in it.

Wheeler has been dealing for the Phillies this season, with a 2.28 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 14 starts. He suggested that his pitching schedule was the reason for the initial snub, calling it a ‘BS rule’ that he gets punished for pitching on a certain day.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.