The Philadelphia Phillies are still adjusting to life without Zack Wheeler at the front of their rotation.
Manager Rob Thomson faces a tough task, but the team has just enough time to sort things out before October. According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, Wheeler’s absence remains Philadelphia’s biggest obstacle heading into the postseason.
“With Wheeler sidelined for the year due to venous thoracic outlet syndrome, the Phillies have taken a major hit despite being well-positioned for another World Series run,” Bowden wrote. “Still, if there’s any club built to withstand the loss of an ace, it’s Philadelphia.”
Christopher Sánchez has stepped up in recent months—dominant in June and July, though shakier in August—while top prospect Andrew Painter provides added depth in the minors. Even so, Wheeler’s postseason track record will be hard to replace.
“The real concern isn’t the regular season,” Bowden added. “The Phillies hold a five-game lead over the Mets and are heavy favorites in the NL East. But Wheeler’s absence in October, where he’s thrived with a 2.18 ERA across 12 playoff starts, is a far bigger hurdle.”
Without him, the rotation leans heavily left-handed with Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, and Jesús Luzardo fronting the staff. A bounce-back from Aaron Nola would restore a proven right-handed option and give the Phillies better balance for October.
Thomson still has decisions to make about his playoff rotation, but Philadelphia remains one of the National League’s strongest contenders.
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