Zack Wheeler Adjusts Mechanics as Phillies Navigate Late Season Rotation Stretch

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler enters his Monday start against the Seattle Mariners seeking to correct mechanical issues that have limited him to five consecutive outings without pitching past five and two-thirds innings.

The right-hander has registered a 6.64 ERA across his last five starts, leaving him without a win since July 12. The winless stretch marks Wheeler's longest since 2018, though his season ERA remains at 2.92 through 21 starts.

Wheeler attempted to adjust his lower body usage during a four-run outing against the St. Louis Cardinals, which led to high pitch counts and reduced off-speed feel against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.

"It’s been hit-or-miss with what I’ve got that day, and I’m just kind of not used to that," said Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher. "So it’s a battle, and I’ve just got to put everything together. I know I still got it."

Despite giving up two runs over five innings with four walks in the 6-4 victory over Miami, Wheeler noted that his fastball felt strong while his off-speed offerings lagged behind.

"Started off well," said Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher. "I feel like it’s been the past couple games — once I get into it a little deeper, it just doesn’t work out for me. … That’s the frustrating part, really. It’s just not characteristic of me."

He further detailed the impact of his lower-body mechanical tweak following the Marlins game.

"The fastball felt as good as it has in a really long time, actually," said Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher. "We made a little adjustment, just getting into my legs a little bit more, but it caused my offspeed (pitches) to be not good today. So the fastball was there, but offspeed was not there today."

The recent command issues follow a successful return from last year's vascular thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, during which he posted a 2.13 ERA through his first 15 starts this season.

"I know I’ve still got it," said Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher. "There's no question about that."

Phillies team officials remain confident in the veteran pitcher's underlying metrics, noting that fastball velocity and spin rates remain consistent with his season averages.

"I mean, Zack's not one of the guys I worry about, if that’s what you’re asking," said Don Mattingly, Philadelphia Phillies interim manager. "I’ve known Zack Wheeler for a long time. The stuff is still good."

Mattingly reiterated that Wheeler's pitch quality remains intact despite the recent reduction in soft contact and increased walk rates.

"Zack’s not one of the guys I worry about," said Don Mattingly, Philadelphia Phillies interim manager. "He’s been Zack Wheeler for a long time. Stuff’s still good.

When you get into a playoff situation, you’re not really asking guys to go seven innings or anything else. You’re asking them to get outs and (go) so many times through the order and trying to match up from there. As long as he’s doing that, there’s nothing to be concerned about."

Catcher J.T. Realmuto previously pointed to fastball command as the primary indicator of Wheeler's timing on the mound.

"You can tell usually when he’s feeling right," said J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies catcher. "His fastball command is pretty spot on, and he’s able to work in, out, up, down and not miss a lot of locations.

It’s felt like recently, (it’s) just been a little more erratic at times. Just some bigger misses than you’re used to seeing from him."

Regarding the anniversary of his shoulder procedure, Wheeler maintained a forward-looking focus.

"I didn’t even think about it until you asked, honestly," said Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher. "So, no. It’s just the whole thing of getting through it and trying to be the best I can every time out and stay healthy."

The Phillies hold a 69-58 record and maintain position in the National League wild-card standings with six weeks remaining in the regular season.