The Phillies will only be sending one member to Atlanta for the 2025 All-Star Game, as veteran starter Zack Wheeler will not accompany Philly DH Kyle Schwarber. Wheeler was named an All-Star for the third time in his career but instead chose to opt out, help his team by making his scheduled start Saturday, and then rest over the break. Phillies manager Rob Thomson was asked if he had any influence on Wheeler's decision, to which he gave a resounding 'no'.
Phillies' Rob Thomson Clarifies Zack Wheeler All-Star Game Decsion originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Phillies will only be sending one member to Atlanta for the 2025 All-Star Game, as veteran starter Zack Wheeler will not accompany Philly DH Kyle Schwarber.
Wheeler was named an All-Star for the third time in his career but instead chose to opt out, help his team by making his scheduled start Saturday, and then rest over the break.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson was asked if he had any influence on Wheeler's decision, to which he gave a resounding 'no'.
"No, not at all," Thomson said. "He came to me the other day and basically said he wanted to make sure his body was in good shape coming out of the break and carry on the rest of the year. He wanted to do what was right for the club. After tomorrow's start, he'll have more innings than last year at the break. I think he's being smart."
Wheeler is putting together a legitimate resume to challenge Paul Skenes for the National League Cy Young. Entering Saturday, Wheeler's 0.84 WHIP and 148 strikeouts are both the best in the NL, and his 2.17 ERA trails only Skenes' 1.92 mark.
While Skenes was named All-Star starter for the second year in a row, Wheeler easily would have been the next man up if he wanted. In the eyes of Philly's skipper, putting that opportunity aside to focus on his health is something that won't be overlooked.
"No doubt," Thomson said. "That's who Zack is."
Thomson did not go into detail about how his rotation could be organized after the break. It all likely depends on what combination of Andew Painter, Mick Abel, and/or Aaron Nola is deemed ready to reinforce the group.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
