Phillies manager Rob Thomson remains confident that Zack Wheeler will be able to pitch World Series Game 6 on Saturday, should the series go that far.
"I'm really confident he'll be ready to go," Thomson said before Game 3 on Tuesday.
The Phillies adjusted their pitching rotation after Monday night's rainout. Ranger Suarez and Aaron Nola moved up, but Wheeler moved back. Instead of capitalizing on the rainout and moving Wheeler to Game 5 on the regular four days' rest, the Phillies kept him scheduled for Game 6, where he will pitch on two extra days' rest, should the series go that far.
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The Phillies are hoping extra rest helps Wheeler regain the fastball velocity he lacked in Game 2. Wheeler pitched five innings in that game and gave up five runs, one of which was unearned. The Astros tagged him for three doubles and a homer. He walked three and struck out three.
Wheeler's four-seam fastball averaged 95.6 mph in that game, down from 97.2 in his previous start. He reached 97 mph just three times. In his previous start, he threw 11 fastballs at 99 mph.
The Phillies are using the word "fatigue" to describe Wheeler's situation. He did spend a month on the injured list from August 20 to September 21 with elbow inflammation/tendinitis.
"When he went on the IL, we brought him back, and not that we rushed him, but we ramped him up pretty quick, and I think that took its toll on him a little bit, and I think that's why you're seeing now the velocity go down a little bit," Thomson said. "So I'm hoping the extra couple days will help him."
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Thomson acknowledged that Wheeler was receiving extra attention from the athletic training staff, but said, "They're all getting extra treatment this time of year."
Wheeler is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday. Surely, the Phillies will keep a close eye on that as they cross their fingers that the zip on his heater returns.
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