The Philadelphia Phillies boast one of Major League Baseball's best starting rotations. The group has accumulated the most fWAR of any starting rotation in the MLB. Leading that core in Philadelphia is Zack Wheeler, the 34-year-old ace who has pitched like a perennial Cy Young candidate in 2024.
That continued for Wheeler in his latest start on Wednesday as he allowed one run through five innings against the Los Angeles Angels. The Phillies were able to secure the 2-1 win as the bullpen tossed four scoreless innings, marking the third consecutive win for Wheeler. He's allowed one run across his last three starts, two of which have been quality starts. He's tossed five innings in all seven starts.
The Phillies employed a six-man rotation this week with the return of Taijuan Walker and the emergence of Spencer Turnbull. That pushed back Wheeler's schedule and a man as routine as Zack Wheeler doesn’t like his routine being thrown off.
Although he battled and pitched well in the win, he was frustrated for a second consecutive start. He walked four across six scoreless innings against the Cincinnati Reds last week.
“I think it was more just routine this time, having more days rest, not being as sharp, I think that's part of it,” Wheeler said, per Corey Seidman.
“Some points in the season you probably need it, but it's just another day of trying to keep that rhythm that I've had going, just another day to try to keep it in sync.”
This is not the first time Wheeler has spoken against a six-man rotation. He was against it last season when the Phillies ran a six-man rotation in August.
Phillies rotation is a good problem to have
With the plethora of pitching injuries that have hampered more than a few teams' plans this season, the Phillies should be grateful they have a healthy crop of starters, let alone a talented one.
The Phillies could have multiple Cy Young Award finalists if things continue to trend the way they are. Zack Wheeler wants to prove that he earned the contract extension he got in March. Pitching well deep into his 30s is one thing. Winning a Cy Young would be another.
The Phillies anticipate a decision on the future of their rotation on Friday. They could move Turnbull – the owner of a 1.67 ERA in six starts – to the bullpen or piggyback Cristopher Sanchez's starts with the veteran righty.
A lot of Phillies fans think they are only putting Walker back in the rotation because of his paycheck. Philadelphia signed him to a four-year deal worth $72 million in 2022. He posted a 4.38 ERA in a career-high 172.2 innings in 2023 but did not pitch in the postseason.
If Walker struggles, there should be an easy decision on hand should Turnbull stay consistent. If Walker pitches well, the Phillies have something to fall back on and should get an improved bullpen in the meantime.
There are benefits to a six-man rotation, one of which is that the rotation stays fresh with the extra day off every turn. If the ace of the staff doesn’t agree with it or doesn’t feel or look the same while doing it, that is something that needs to be considered.
There is a long season ahead but the Phillies don’t want Wheeler out of his rhythm already. Expect them to make a decision on the rotation soon and seriously consider their ace's comments.
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