Jul 6, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) follows through on a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eric Hartline
Zack Wheeler came out of his last start "more sore than he normally is," manager Rob Thomson revealed Wednesday morning. The Phillies' ace had imaging done on his right shoulder, which came back clean.
Still, the Phillies have decided to push Wheeler's next start back a bit. He was initially scheduled to take the ball Friday against the Texas Rangers, but will instead make his next start on Sunday. Cristopher Sánchez will now start on Friday, with Jesús Luzardo toeing the rubber on Saturday. Both will be on normal rest because of the off day Thursday.
All indications are that Wheeler has avoided anything major here, but it's nonetheless concerning when a 35-year-old power pitcher experiences any sort of discomfort like this.
But while you might be inclined to think that the shoulder soreness has led to Wheeler posting a 4.58 ERA in three starts since the All-Star Break, Thomson had a different explanation for why he believes the righty's command hasn't been as sharp as usual recently.
"I think the complete game affected his command," Thomson said bluntly.
Wheeler delivered one of the defining performances of his career on July 6 when he tossed a one-hit complete game against the Cincinnati Reds. However, he gave up four runs in his following start on July 12 vs. the San Diego Padres, and then hasn't been his usual self since the Midsummer Classic.
Regardless of how frequently complete games happened 25 or 50 years ago, it's clear Thomson believes that starters pay for them in their following outings. In fact, he had this to say when asked if he expects any of his arms — Wheeler or otherwise — to throw a complete game the rest of the season.
"I hope not," Thomson admitted. "It bothers me, it really does. It scares me. It concerns me. And you want a guy who has a low pitch count and he wants it. So it's hard to take it away. But I know that there's some effects that are put on the body, on the arm, on fatigue. So, I do it. But it's hard."
Thomson did say that at least for the time being the Phillies don't plan to utilize a six-man rotation.
The feeling here is it's entirely possible the Phillies could do a six-man rotation for a period when Aaron Nola returns, particularly given how well Taijuan Walker is throwing the ball. But right now, they don't have a great option to fill the sixth spot. Mick Abel was sent to the Minnesota Twins in the Jhoan Duran trade. Andrew Painter struggled in his latest start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, giving up five earned runs over four innings against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Tuesday.
With Thursday being an off day, the Phillies do have flexibility to push Wheeler's next start back further if they need to. Right now, the belief is he's going to be good to go Sunday against the Rangers, but it's certainly a situation worth monitoring.
