Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler should pitch in Game 4 of the NLDS against the New York Mets. Initially there was some discussion that Wheeler could start this game. Ranger Suárez will get the nod for the Phillies in an elimination game. Suárez started Game 7 of the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks last year, so this is not his first time pitching in a game where the Phillies season is on the line. The Phillies must-win Game 4 to extend the series to a Game 5 on October 11 in Philadelphia. If the Phillies want to extend their season, Wheeler pitching in Game 4 is necessary. Everyone except Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sánchez should be considered available.
Phillies Ace Should Pitch In Game 4
Game 1 Dominant Outing And Bullpen Struggles
Wheeler recorded one of the best postseason starts in Game 1 of the series. In seven innings pitched, Wheeler did not allow a run and recorded nine strikeouts. Wheeler allowed one hit while issuing four walks. Kyle Schwarber hit a lead-off home run, the lone-run support Wheeler got. Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm proceeded to give up the 1-0 lead the Phillies had when Wheeler came out of the game. The Phillies would lose Game 1 by a score of 6-2. Lack of run support for the starting pitchers has hurt the Phillies tremendously in this series. At the same time, the Phillies bullpen should be able to get six outs and hold on to a one-run lead.
As noted by Paul “Hembo” Hembekides, the Phillies bullpen has allowed fewer runs last postseason than they have in this series. 13 runs have been allowed by the Phillies bullpen so far. Carlos Estévez is the lone Phillies relief pitcher who has appeared in the series and has not allowed an earned run. Hoffman and Strahm have combined to allow seven earned runs in 1 1/3 innings pitched. Part of why the Phillies are in a position where using Wheeler in Game 4 is essential is because their best bullpen arms have not been reliable. In the grand scheme, this may not matter if the Phillies bats do not wake up to help their pitchers.
Role For Wheeler In Game 4
Wheeler would be in a similar role to Game 7 of the NLCS last year. In that game, Wheeler pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief on two days of rest. Wheeler through 30 pitches in that game. In this situation, Wheeler would be pitching for three days of rest. That could open the door to Wheeler going more than 30 pitches. Wheeler should come into the game when Suárez comes out in a perfect world. It is worth noting that Wheeler threw 111 pitches during his Game 1 start on October 5. The deeper into the game Suárez goes, the easier it is to work Wheeler into the game. However, Suárez has not pitched more than 5 1/3 innings in a postseason start before.
There is no reason to save Wheeler for a potential Game 5. The Phillies have to win Game 4 to extend their season. Wheeler pitching is part of what is necessary to win the game. There is no time to worry about Wheeler being unable to start a potential Game 5 if the series does not get there. Wheeler has a 31.2% cWPA in the postseason. This is win or go home for the Phillies. Use Wheeler to help win Game 4 and deal with everything else later. Phillies manager Rob Thomson cannot manager scared in this game. In a perfect world, Suárez goes six innings, the Phillies have a lead, and Wheeler comes to close out the game and gets the last nine outs of Game 4.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
