Zack Wheeler whiffs 14 in victory over Reds

Wheeler racked up six strikeouts on the night, but also issued five walks in the contest. He served up a solo homer to Andres Gimenez in the second inning, then the Jays tacked on single runs in the third fourth and sixth innings against him. The 36-year-old righty got 16 whiffs on 116 pitches in the game, posting a CSW of 25 percent. Even with this off night, Wheeler will carry a mighty impressive 2.69 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and a 132/28 K/BB ratio (110 1/3 innings) into Wednesday’s matchup against the Cardinals in St. Louis.

Wheeler was looking sharp today after his unusually short outing against the Marlins on Monday, but there was no way the Phillies could bring him back out after a delay that exceeded two hours. Wheeler fanned three and threw 24 of his 32 pitches for strikes before departing. His next turn is due to come Friday against the Blue Jays, but the Phillies could consider moving him up if he feels good Monday. They currently have Andrew Painter lined up for Wednesday’s game against the Nationals.

Wheeler allowed five runs in three innings, and his health was the subject of many overnight rumors after the training staff and coaches huddled in the dugout before removing Wheeler from the game. The veteran averaged 93.5 mph on his four-seamer and 93.1 mph on his sinker, both of which were down almost two mph from his season average. Considering Wheeler had a potentially career-ending blood clot injury last season, there was some concern that the 36-year-old was injured; however, Wheeler shot down those concerns after the game: “The ball just wasn’t coming out like I wanted to. My body wasn’t moving like I wanted it to. I was trying to get through it. Some games I can. Just today, I couldn’t.” We’ll see how his bullpen and arm maintenance sessions go during the week, but it seems like this may be just a one-game blip.

Wheeler gave up six hits, walked one and struck out six. He allowed a lead-off single in the first inning and one batter later a run scored on a stolen base and two throwing errors. Then a solo home run to make it 2-0. In the second inning, a double, triple and a home run led to three more Marlins runs. Wheeler completed the third inning without allowing a run, but with 68 pitches thrown already he didn’t even start the fourth inning. His ERA is up to 2.53. Wheeler’s lined up to face the Orioles on the road on Sunday.

“Never say never,” Wheeler told USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale. “We’ll see. It’ll probably depend on what happens next year. It’s something to think about for sure.” The 36-year-old Wheeler has returned from thoracic outlet surgery to go 10-2 with a 2.16 ERA in 16 starts this season. While it sounds like he might want to take things year by year, the Phillies would almost certainly try to extend him this winter if he’s open to it.

Max Muncy’s two-run homer in the fourth doomed Wheeler in another otherwise exceptional performance. It’s just Wheeler’s second loss to go along with 10 wins this year. The Phillies are 13-3 when he pitches, and Wheeler has a 3.32 ERA in the three losses. He’ll make his next start Monday versus the Marlins.

Nola will start on Thursday, there will then be a day off to accommodate the World Cup Final, and then Luzardo and Rangel will throw on Saturday and Sunday. The Phillies could have chosen to use Zack Wheeler on normal rest this weekend, but the veteran will likely get a two-start week against the Dodgers and Yankees instead.

Wheeler added that he felt disrespected and didn’t want to be the fifth choice after the league finally reached out on Friday to offer him a spot on the senior circuit’s roster as a replacement. The 36-year-old veteran should’ve been in the Midsummer Classic much sooner in the process after putting together a remarkable first-half performance in his return from last year’s surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome, posting a sublime 2.28 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 98/20 K/BB ratio across 87 innings over 14 starts since April 25.

Wheeler was given eight runs to work with tonight, but stunningly, it wasn’t enough to get him a win. It’s the first time in 13 starts this season that he hasn’t completed five innings, and the only time he came out immediately after five was in his Apr. 25 return from the IL. The four runs allowed also matched his season high. Wheeler’s stuff was fine, and though he allowed nine hits, he gave up only six hard-hit balls. He’ll face the Reds next Tuesday.

Even when he’s not his sharpest Wheeler is still excellent. He forced at least one swing-and-miss with all six of his pitches and multiple with three of them. This also marked 10 times out of his 12 starts this season where he completed at least six innings and the fourth time he’s completed seven. With that being said, his defense did a lot to help him out in this one. Mainly, Derek Hill who made the catch of the year when he robbed a home run from Juan Soto in the first inning. Regardless, Wheeler is absolutely back to being an ace with a 2.03 ERA, 74 strikeouts, and 19 walks through 75 1/3 innings so far this season. He’s scheduled to face the Pirates next time out.