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Wheeler's 14 K, Calls Rule BS, Phillies Win

7/9/2026

43 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Wheeler Dominates

Zack Wheeler struck out 14 in seven innings against the Reds on July 8, 2026, allowing one earned run to post a 9-1 record.
He called the rule barring Sunday starters from the All-Star Game “BS” after MLB named replacements.
Kyle Schwarber’s 31st homer and Jhoan Duran’s 22nd save lifted the Phillies to a 4-1 win.
The All-Star Game will be at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, Wheeler’s home field.

Summary

Misiorowski Barred

MLB rule bars pitchers who start on the Sunday before the All-Star Game from participating.
Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers was removed from the National League All-Star roster because he started that Sunday.
Players and coaches vote for five league starters, after which MLB fills the remaining pitching spots.
Missing an All-Star appearance can lower future contracts and hurt Hall of Fame chances, prompting calls for a rule change.

Summary

Wheeler Protests

Philadelphia fans protested the Sunday-starter rule that barred their ace pitcher from the All-Star Game.
MLB said it could grant a usage exemption but fears setting a precedent for future selections.
Observers note the All-Star Game now emphasizes entertainment because it no longer awards World Series home-field advantage, prompting Wheeler’s omission to spur a review of eligibility rules for post-surgery pitchers.

Summary

Verlander Honored

MLB named 43-year-old Justin Verlander a “Legends Pick” for the 2026 All-Star Game, not counting toward the roster limit.
Verlander logged 3.2 innings with a 12.27 ERA before injured list, making the selection honorary.
Ace Zack Wheeler posted a 2.28 ERA, 4.3 WAR and 14 strikeouts on July 8 yet remains excluded.
Philadelphia hosts its MLB All-Star Game since 1996, featuring Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in the Home Run Derby.

History

Historical Context

MLB’s 2003 All-Star Game began awarding the winning league home-field advantage in the World Series, showing the league’s willingness to alter All-Star rules. The 2023 introduction of a 15-second pitch clock further reshaped gameplay. In 2026, a pitcher’s exclusion from the All-Star roster reignited the debate over eligibility rules, echoing the 2003 controversy.

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Wheeler Dominates

Zack Wheeler struck out 14 in seven innings against the Reds on July 8, 2026, allowing one earned run to post a 9-1 record.
He called the rule barring Sunday starters from the All-Star Game “BS” after MLB named replacements.
Kyle Schwarber’s 31st homer and Jhoan Duran’s 22nd save lifted the Phillies to a 4-1 win.
The All-Star Game will be at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, Wheeler’s home field.

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