Zack Wheeler simply did not have it in his Monday night start against the Seattle Mariners.
The Philadelphia Phillies ace was taken to the woodshed by Cal Raleigh and the Mariners in a series opener at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Wash.
The 36-year-old right-hander lasted just four innings on the mound, as he surrendered eight earned runs on nine hits. Four of those hits were home runs, and he issued five walks, while striking out four hitters through 103 pitches.
Philadelphia manager Don Mattingly called it a night for Wheeler after the three-time All-Star hurler gave up consecutive homers to Raleigh and Cole Young.
According to ESPN Insights, Wheeler’s rough outing tied his career high for earned runs and home runs allowed in a start.
Meanwhile, Paul Casella of MLB shared that Wheeler became the first pitcher in Phillies history to allow four or more home runs while issuing at least five walks in the same game.
Wheeler hasn’t been in his top form over his last several starts. He posted a 3.90 ERA in five starts in July, and it’s only gotten worse since, with Wheeler recording a 7.59 ERA through five starts in August.
Despite Wheeler’s struggles, the Phillies are in position to make the playoffs with a 73-59 record through Monday.
