Two Phillies selected to National League All-Star team

Zack Wheeler and Kyle Schwarber will represent the Phillies in this year’s All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta. 

Wheeler has earned the nod in back-to-back years. Schwarber is an All-Star for the first time since 2022. Both Wheeler and Schwarber are three-time All-Stars.

Wheeler, who allowed one hit on a solo home run in a complete-game win on Sunday against the Reds, has a real chance of being named the starting pitcher for the NL. Through 18 starts, Wheeler is 9-3 with a 2.17 ERA. He entered the day trailing only Paul Skenes and Logan Webb for the National League lead in FanGraphs WAR at 3.4. Wheeler’s next scheduled start is Saturday against the Padres in San Diego.

NL manager Dave Roberts will have a tough time deciding who gets the ball first. It would be a fitting honor for Wheeler, who grew up in Smyrna, Georgia. a few miles down the road from the site of this year’s All-Star Game. 

Schwarber will represent the Phillies on the position player side. Schwarber, who will DH behind Shohei Ohtaini, had an incredible first two months of the year. Through April and May, Schwarber batted .267 with a .991 OPS. He has slowed down since the start of June, but Schwarber is still on pace for around 50 home runs. He is third in the National League in home runs with 27.

The players were informed of their selection to the game this morning. 

“It’s an honor, because it’s tough to pitch in this league or play in this league,” manager Rob Thomson said. “It’s even tougher to make an All-Star team. I know it’s an honor for the players, so it’s a big honor for me to let them know.”