Canadian Wildfire Smoke Postpones 1 MLS Match, Threatens World Cup Final

Q: Will Zack Wheeler’s protest change how MLB selects its All-Stars?

Probably not immediately, but it has increased pressure on MLB to revisit one specific All-Star rule. Wheeler’s complaint is aimed at the practice that effectively sidelines pitchers who are scheduled to start on the final Sunday before the All-Star Game. After posting ace-level numbers, he felt he was excluded by scheduling rather than merit, then declined a late replacement invitation because he believed MLB treated him as a fallback option. That made his protest more visible than a routine snub. The broader issue is bigger than Wheeler alone. Several top pitchers were unavailable for similar reasons, which undercut the idea that the All-Star Game features the best active roster possible. That is why the controversy matters: it exposes a structural problem in how pitchers are selected and then made available. There is, however, no sign yet of an immediate overhaul to the overall selection system. Starters are still chosen by fan voting, while pitchers and reserves are selected through player ballots and the commissioner’s office. The likely area for change is not the voting format itself, but the rule governing Sunday starters and whether those pitchers can still participate in some limited way. So Wheeler’s protest is unlikely to remake All-Star selection on its own. But it has strengthened the case for MLB to adjust the Sunday-start rule so elite pitchers are not left out because of the calendar.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 17

Unhealthy to hazardous air from Canadian wildfires has already disrupted U.S. sports, postponing an MLS match in Chicago and forcing the Phillies to move first pitch up by 1 hour.
MetLife Stadium now faces similar concern for Sunday’s Spain-Argentina World Cup final, though forecasts call for improving conditions after Saturday cold fronts and rain.
Philadelphia players said the smoke brought thick air, burning eyes and a metallic taste, while experts warned outdoor activity is risky when air quality reaches levels unhealthy for everyone.
Spain practiced Thursday in smoke-affected New Jersey while Argentina stayed in Atlanta, and commentators said poor conditions could influence the match by favoring Spain’s possession-heavy style.
The disruption extends beyond one event: an NWSL game drew 42,175 fans in similar conditions, and 3 MLB games were postponed during the 2023 smoke episode.