Chris Sale Says Zack Wheeler Was Snubbed for All-Star Game and He’d Know

Zack Wheeler said it was “BS” when he didn’t make the initial All-Star roster. Then he turned down a replacement invite and told reporters MLB “disrespected” him. The whole thing could have faded into the usual midseason drama. Instead, a rival pitcher — one who actually made the team — decided to speak up.

Atlanta’s Chris Sale went on Foul Territory and called Wheeler’s omission a “head scratcher.” Sale didn’t just defend a division opponent. He basically said Wheeler deserved the spot more than he did.

“I think if you just look at the stat line by itself, 10-1 with just over a two [ERA], punchouts are there, I think the innings are there,” Sale said. “It’s a head scratcher, to say the least.”

Sale didn’t stop there. He compared their numbers head-to-head. Wheeler has a 2.13 ERA, 108 strikeouts, a 10-1 record across 93 innings. Sale owns a 2.20 ERA with 117 strikeouts and a 9-6 record in 98 innings. They’re close. But Wheeler’s edge in ERA and record is hard to ignore.

“Those are pretty good numbers. Yeah, those are better than my numbers, and I’m sitting here, so I’ll leave it at that,” Sale said.

It’s rare to hear a player on a rival team go out of his way to argue for another guy’s All-Star nod. Even rarer when that guy shares a division and the rivalry between the Braves and Phillies is as hot as it gets. But Sale didn’t sound like he was picking a fight with his own league. He sounded like a pitcher who respects the numbers, period.

Does Scheduling Hurt Wheeler’s Case?

Some people pointed out that All-Star selections sometimes factor in a pitcher’s schedule — when they pitch, who they face, how the rotation lines up. Sale acknowledged that argument exists but made it clear he doesn’t buy it.

“A player gets to be an All-Star with their numbers,” Sale said.

Wheeler is 36 years old and coming back from a significant injury. That context only makes his season more impressive. He’s not just pitching well. He’s carrying a workload that few expected after surgery. And yet, the league passed him over for the initial roster.

The drama ended when Wheeler declined the invitation to go as a replacement. He didn’t want a consolation prize. That move drew some criticism and some support. But the fact that a guy wearing a Braves uniform is the one defending him publicly? That says something.

Wheeler hasn’t commented further since his initial reaction. He’s got a job to do in Philadelphia, and the Phillies are counting on him down the stretch. But the conversation around this snub isn’t going away. Not when a rival All-Star is the one keeping it alive.