Zack Wheeler doesn't quite look himself for the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Philadelphia Phillies began the 2026 MLB campaign without Zack Wheeler in the rotation, as the lefty was recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome.
Wheeler returned in late April and had a couple of hiccups early on, but ended up with a 2.03 ERA through the end of June.
Since then, however, things have changed.
On the surface, Wheeler's numbers still look good. He owns a 2.92 ERA and 1.006 WHIP, and he is averaging 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Clearly, the stuff is still there.
But recently, the 36-year-old hasn't quite looked himself.
Removing Wheeler's two-inning, rain-shortened outing against the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 2, his last four outings have not been great.
He was shelled by the Miami Marlins to the tune of six runs in three innings back on July 27. He then surrendered four runs in back-to-back starts on Aug. 7 (when he issued five walks) and Aug. 12, and while Wheeler only gave up two runs in five innings against the Marlins on Tuesday, he handed out four free passes and threw 98 pitches.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler. Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images.In fact, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic noted the last time we saw Wheeler walk four batters in a game before this recent stretch was on May 29, 2025. The last time before that? April 25, 2024.
Wheeler lays claim to a 5.19 ERA in the month of August (four starts), and hitters are posting a .755 OPS versus the southpaw during that span. In July, Wheeler recorded a 3.90 ERA in five starts, which is still relatively high for him.
Phillies manager Don Mattingly insists he isn't worried about Wheeler, but catcher J.T. Realmuto did note that while Wheeler's stuff is fine, he has been "more erratic" lately and has had some "bigger misses than you're used to seeing from him."
Philadelphia's primary claim to being a potentially dangerous playoff team is its triumvirate of starting pitchers featuring Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo. But if one of those arms isn't dealing in October, it would present a big problem for the squad.
It's probably too early to sound the alarm on Wheeler, but there is no question that his last month and change has sparked some legitimate concern.
We'll see if the three-time All-Star can kick it into gear between now and the playoffs, or if his recent skid is a sign of something more serious.
