Shockingly, only 2 Phillies selected as All-Stars

Shockingly, only 2 Phillies selected as All-Stars originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

It was going to be difficult to beat a franchise record set last season of eight players being named to an All-Star team, but the Phillies seem heavily underrepresented with only two players heading to Atlanta with the honors.

Kyle Schwarber will join Zack Wheeler in his hometown for the Midsummer Classic July 15 at Truist Park.

It’s a huge honor for the players named to the team, but Rob Thomson feels similar sentiments as the manager being able to deliver the news.

“It’s an honor,” Thomson said. “It’s tough to pitch in this league, or play in this league, and it’s even tougher making 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.”

This is the third All-Star selection for Wheeler, who represented the Phillies in 2021 and 2024. It’s been a busy week for the 35-year-old, who was named NL Pitcher of the Month for June and learned of his All-Star nod in the span of four days. A little over an hour before the announcement came out, Wheeler was dealing on the mound and had his first complete game since 2021, being one blemish away from perfection.

Even in his 11th season, there have been no signs of slowing down for Wheeler. In his 18 games this season, Wheeler is 9-3 with a 2.17 ERA, 148 K and 0.84 WHIP.

This will also be Schwarber’s third time as an All-Star, being named in 2021 and 2022.

Schwarber is leading the way in home runs (27) and RBI (63) for the Phillies this season while averaging .251 at the plate.

“He does a lot of things for this club other than slugging and getting on base,” Thomson said. “He’s a great teammate, great in the clubhouse, one of the team leaders.

“I love all these guys. I love Schwarb, I’m just really happy for both those guys.”

There are a handful of question marks surrounding the Phillies who weren’t named to the team including Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, and most shockingly, Trea Turner.

Turner is currently leading the National League in hits (109) and averaging .299. Aside from Schwarber, Turner has been the most consistent hitter on the Phillies through this point in the season. There is still a chance any of the trio could be named due to injuries or players opting out, but for now, Wheeler and Schwarber will be holding down the fort.

The All-Star experience kicks off Monday, July 14 with the Home Run Derby 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Then, catch the MLB All-Star game 7 p.m. ET Tuesday on FOX.