Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler won’t be pitching in front of the home crowd during the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

After being left off the original National League roster, Wheeler reportedly declined a late invitation to replace another pitcher. According to multiple reports, Wheeler felt he had already earned an All-Star selection and didn’t want to accept a spot only after other pitchers withdrew.

The decision comes on the heels of a dominant first half. Wheeler heads into the All-Star break with a 9-1 record, a 2.28 ERA, and capped off his first half by striking out 14 Cincinnati Reds hitters in his final start before the break. Many around baseball believed his performance warranted an original selection.

While Phillies fans won’t get to see their ace take the mound in Philadelphia during the Midsummer Classic, Wheeler will instead get several extra days of rest before helping lead the Phillies’ push toward another postseason berth.