Fatigue issue for Wheeler
Even with his five postseason starts, Phillies ace Zack Wheeler has thrown over 30 fewer innings than he did in 2021.
His pitch counts during the postseason have been reasonable with manager Rob Thomson going to get his ace right-hander before he hits 90 pitches. But Wheeler’s velocity was down 3-4 miles per hour in his last start, a five-inning, 69-pitch World Series Game 2 loss to the Astros in which he allowed doubles to the first three batters.
So when Thomson announced that fatigue was the reason Wheeler would start World Series Game 6 on six days rest instead of Game 5 on four, it set off some red flags and prompted some questions.
Why is Wheeler feeling fatigue considering his usage? Thomson said it goes back to the month Wheeler missed in August and September because of elbow soreness — a big reason he threw 153 innings this year instead of closer to the 213 ⅓ innings he pitched in 2021.
“That’s a good question, so when he went on the (injured list), we brought him back, and not that we rushed him, but we ramped him up pretty quick, and I think that took its toll on him a little bit, and I think that’s why you’re seeing now the velocity go down a little bit,” Thomson said. “So I’m hoping the extra couple days will help him.”
Aaron Nola, meanwhile, will take his normal turn in Game 4 after 205 innings in the regular season and 21 ⅔ innings in the postseason. Thomson said he received input from Wheeler and Nola before deciding what games they would start and also noted all the players are receiving extra treatment this time of year.
Thomson said he was confident Wheeler would be ready for Game 6. The series resumed after a travel day and Monday rainout with Game 3 on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, which ended too late for this edition. The Phillies and Astros were tied at one game apiece.
Nola has struggled in his last two postseason starts after he dominated in his last two.
“I think it really comes down to execution, just missing his spots a little,” Thomson said. “He really leans on his command. When it’s off a little bit, usually that’s when he gets into some trouble. But I know he’s working hard, so he’ll be ready to go.”
Biden barbs Philly fans:
President Joe Biden took his own playful swing at Philly’s infamously ornery sports fans — including one real close to home.
“Phillies fans are the most virulent, obnoxious fans in the world,” he said Tuesday while campaigning in Florida.
Biden, who grew up in Pennsylvania, made his remarks hours before Game 3.
First lady Jill Biden wasn’t on the campaign trail with her husband in Florida. She’s set to attend Game 4 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night.
The president often kids about his wife being “a Philly girl” and her rooting interests in the local teams.
“Like every Philly fan, she’s convinced she knows more about everything in sports than anybody else,” Biden joked in September when he hosted the 2021 World Series champion Braves.