Overview
- Wheeler was removed after 4 2/3 innings and 104 pitches on Wednesday night, snapping a 53-start run of pitching at least five innings that dated to June 16, 2024.
- Wheeler told reporters he was “upset” about being taken out and said he felt he had earned the chance to finish the fifth inning.
- Interim manager Don Mattingly defended the decision, citing an extended pitch count and soft contact that lengthened innings and raised concern for Wheeler’s health.
- Reliever Kyle Backhus allowed an inherited runner to score on a hit-by-pitch after the removal and Orion Kerkering was credited with the win in Philadelphia’s 10-6 victory over Pittsburgh.
- Wheeler’s season-long resurgence remains intact, with elite numbers and a season-high 10 strikeouts in the start, but the decision adds short-term pressure on the bullpen and factors into the Phillies’ rotation and trade-deadline planning.