The Philadelphia Phillies are aware that they can no longer rely on Zack Wheeler. The ace pitcher will be sidelined for the remainder of the season and could be out for as long as eight months due to a diagnosis of venous thoracic outlet syndrome, as the team revealed on Saturday.
Filling Wheeler’s shoes won’t be easy—his talent is undeniable. However, the Phillies have no choice but to find a way to move forward, especially if they plan on contending for a World Series title.
Others will need to rise to the occasion to compensate for Wheeler’s absence, with Aaron Nola, the team’s longest-tenured player, being one of the key individuals expected to step up.
“I just need to step up, in general,” Nola said, via MLB.com. “I need to throw some more good games. Pretty much got one month left in the regular season, and I’m going to do everything I can to give my all out there, and hopefully, put the guys in a good position to win every time I’m out there.”
The Phillies are 75-54 and lead the NL East by six games.
How Has Aaron Nola Pitched This Season?
Nola has been far from reliable this season. In his 11 starts, he’s posted a 2-7 record with a career-worst 6.52 ERA and 1.53 WHIP.
The former All-Star, who is in the second year of his seven-year, \$172 million contract, had a 6.16 ERA before being placed on the injured list on May 15 due to a sprained right ankle. While recovering, he suffered a stress fracture in his rib cage, further delaying his return to the Phillies’ rotation.
Nola finally returned on August 17, but was roughed up, giving up six runs on seven hits over 2.1 innings in a narrow 11-9 victory over the Washington Nationals. However, he bounced back on Saturday, limiting the Nationals to three runs (two earned) over six innings in a 6-4 win. Nola also showed improved velocity, averaging a season-high 92.6 mph with his four-seam fastball.
“When the velocity is up a little bit like that, I’m on top of it a little bit more and I get a little more jump before it gets to the plate,” Nola said. “The fastball felt good tonight, and it set up some other stuff, especially my curveball.”
Why is Zack Wheeler’s Injury So Costly?
Wheeler’s injury is a critical blow to the Phillies. He was again pitching like a Cy Young candidate, going 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA in 149.2 innings. His 195 strikeouts lead the NL and rank third in the majors behind Garrett Crochet (207) and Tarik Skubal (200).
Wheeler, 35, last pitched on Aug. 15 against Washington, allowing two runs over five innings while striking out six. Following the start, three-time All-Star complained of “heaviness” in his right shoulder. Subsequent tests revealed a blood clot near Wheeler’s right shoulder, a diagnosis that landed him on the 15-day IL and left him needing surgery. On Aug. 18, Wheeler underwent a “thrombolysis procedure” to remove the blood clot.
In addition to Nola, the Phillies still have left-handers Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez and Jesus Luzardo to head their rotation. Entering Sunday, they lead the majors in quality starts (71) and rank eighth in team ERA (3.76).
All are capable, but none are as accomplished as Wheeler.
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