Zack Wheeler shares his reaction to being pulled from Game 6

Mar 10, 2020; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Zack Wheeler was on top of his game Saturday night during Game 6 of the World Series between his Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros. Wheeler had allowed just two hits and a walk through five innings, and the game was scoreless. He plunked Martin Maldonado to lead off the bottom of the sixth, got an out via a fielder’s choice, and then he gave up a hit to Jeremy Pena to put runners on the corners.

That’s when Phillies manager Rob Thomson decided to make a change that crushed the team.

Thomson brought in reliever Jose Alvarado, who allowed a 3-run home run to Yordan Alvarez. The Astros took a 3-1 lead and won 4-1.

Wheeler was removed while ahead 1-0, and he was taken out instead of facing someone who had gone 0-for-2 against him.

The Phillies ace admitted he was surprised to be removed so quickly.

“Honestly, it caught me off guard a little bit,” Wheeler said after the game.

Thomson gave Wheeler no leeway and did not show “ace” confidence in the pitcher. The move backfired too and completely changed the game.