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Should the Phillies Use Zack Wheeler in Relief in Game 7?

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Author Colin Newby

It’s do-or-die in Game 7 of the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Zack Wheeler needs to be available for Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies. His team should not have allowed the series to extend this far. However, they must now ask their ace to pick them up with a relief appearance.

Starters in the Bullpen

Wheeler has an opportunity to earn a spot in MLB history with a heroic performance out of the bullpen.

Baseball fans will always remember Madison Bumgarner pitching five shutout innings in relief for the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of the 2014 World Series.

The free agent even reminded his former manager Bruce Bochy of the legendary performance with an offer (that might’ve been half-serious?) to pitch for the Texas Rangers in Game 7 of the ALCS.

Thomson showed the willingness to use starters out of the bullpen during Philadelphia’s run to the World Series in 2022. Zach Eflin unexpectedly jumped into the closer’s role early in the playoffs. Ranger Suarez, who will start Game 7 against Arizona, closed out Game 5 of the NLCS just two days after throwing five innings as a starter.

Thomson spoke after the stunning Game 6 loss about whether he’d consider using Wheeler in Game 7.

“I would think so. I think it’s going to be all hands on deck.” -Rob Thomson

The Phillies don’t have the most reliable right-handed options out of the bullpen. Craig Kimbrel has struggled in the playoffs. It’s certainly fair to question whether Thomson should use him in a high-leverage situation in Game 7 with the season on the line.

Orion Kerkering hasn’t looked nearly as sharp in his last two appearances, and Seranthony Dominguez has been similarly shaky. Jeff Hoffman has proved himself throughout the season, but he doesn’t have much experience at the back end of the bullpen.

The Risk of Using Zack Wheeler in Game 7

Thomson’s decision wouldn’t come without risk. Phillies fans will always remember Game 4 of the NLCS in 2010 when Charlie Manuel called on Roy Oswalt out of the bullpen.

Oswalt pitched ⅔ of an inning and took the loss just three days after starting Game 2. The move put the Phillies in a hole down 3-1 against the Giants. They lost the series in six games.

Oswalt was scheduled to throw in between starts the same day that his manager made the call. Tuesday would be Wheeler’s scheduled day to throw in between starts.

Thomson must also consider that Bumgarner pitched in Game 7 of the World Series with an entire offseason ahead of him.

Could Wheeler patch up the hole left by the key right-handers in the Philadelphia bullpen? There’s only one way to find out.

Watch The John Kincade Show live on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page on weekday mornings from 6am-10am.

The Phillies 26-Man Roster For the NLCS Vs The Diamondbacks

  • C- JT Realmuto

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 09: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two-run home run in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game Two of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 09, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .252/.310/.452/.762

    20 HRs, 28 2Bs, 5 3Bs, 63 RBIs, 70 Runs, 16 SBs, 35 BBs, 138 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    .400/.478/1.000/1.478

    8 for 20, 2 HRs, 2 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 6 RBIs, 8 Runs, 1 SB, 2 BBs, 2Ks

    Playoff Stats

    .273/.333/.636/.969

    6 for 22, 2 HRs, 2 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 6 RBIS, 0 SBs, 1 BB, 5 Ks

  • 1B- Bryce Harper

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a three run home run against Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves during the third inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .293/.401/.499/.900

    21 HRs, 29 2Bs, 1 3B, 72 RBIs, 84 Runs, 11 SBs, 80 BBs, 119 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    .296/.441/.370/.812

    8 for 27, 0 HRs, 2 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 4 RBIs, 4 Runs, 1 SB, 7 BBs, 6 Ks

    Playoff Stats

    .368/.538/.842/1.380

    7 for 19, 3 HRs, 0 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 5 RBIs, 7 Runs, 1 SB, 7 BBs, 5 Ks

  • 2B- Bryson Stott

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 09: Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game Two of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 09, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stat

    .280/.329/.419/.747

    15 HRs, 32 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 62 RBIs, 78 Runs, 31 SBs, 39 BBs, 100 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    .393/.414/.786/1.200

    11 for 28, 3 HRs, 0 2Bs, 1 3B, 5 RBIs, 7 Runs, 1 SB, 1 BB, 5 Ks

    Playoff Stats

    .238/.292/.381/.673

    5 for 21, 1 HR, 0 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 7 RBIs, 3 Runs, 1 Sb, 2 BBs, 10 Ks

  • SS- Trea Turner

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Trea Turner #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .266/.320/.459/.778

    26 HRs, 35 2Bs, 5 3Bs, 76 RBIs, 102 Runs, 30 SBs, 45 BBs, 150 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    .241/.353/.379/.732

    7 for 29, 1 HR, 1 2B, 0 3Bs, 4 RBIs, 5 Runs, 4 SBs, 5 BBs, 6 Ks

    Playoff Stats

    .500/.538/.917/1.455

    12 for 24, 2 HRs, 4 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 3 RBIs, 5 Runs, 4 SBs, 2 BBs, 4 Ks

  • 3B- Alec Bohm

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 07: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game One of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 07, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .274/.327/.437/.765

    20 HRs, 31 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 97 RBIs, 74 Runs, 4 SBs, 42 BBs, 94 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    .346/.346/.423/.769

    9 for 26, 0 HRs, 2 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 8 RBIs, 4 Runs, 0 SBs, 0 BBs, 1 K

    Playoff Stats

    .190/.320/.286/.606

    4 for 21, 0 HRs, 2 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs, 0 SBs, 4 BBs, 6 Ks

  • LF- Brandon Marsh

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a single against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .277/.372/.458/.829

    12 HRs, 25 2Bs, 6 3Bs, 60 RBIs, 58 Runs, 10 SBs, 59 BBs, 144Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    .263/.300/.316/.616

    5 for 19, 0 HRs, 1 2B, 0 3B, 3 RBIs, 2 Runs, 0 SB, 1 BB, 10 Ks

    Playoff Stats

    .357/.400/.643/1.043

    5 for 14, 1 HR, 1 2B, 0 3Bs, 1 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 SB, 1 BB, 5 Ks

  • CF- Johan Rojas

    Johan Rojas

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .302/.342/.430/.771

    2 HRs, 9 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 23 RBIs, 24 Runs, 14 SBs, 5 BBs, 42 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    Has Not Faced The Diamondbacks

    Playoff Stats

    .048/.091/.048/.139

    1 for 21, 0 HRs, 0 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 0 RBIs, 1 Run, 0 SBs, 1 BB, 9 Ks

  • RF- Nick Castellanos

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after hitting asolo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .272/.311/.476/.788

    29 HRs, 37 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 106 RBIs, 79 Runs, 11 SBs, 36 BBs, 185 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    .258/.314/.355/.669

    8 for 31, 0 HRs, 3 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 4 RBIs, 4 Runs, 1 SB, 3 BBs, 10 Ks

    Playoff Stats

    .391/.440/.643/1.083

    9 for 23, 4 HRs, 2 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 5 RBIs, 6 Runs, 1 SB, 2 BBs, 3 Ks

  • DH- Kyle Schwarber

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats 

    .197/.343/.474/.817 

    47 HRs, 19 2Bs, 1 3B, 104 RBIs, 108 Runs, 0 SBs, 126 BBs, 215 Ks 

    Stats vs Diamondbacks 

    .192/.364/.462/.825 

    5 for 26, 2 HRs, 1 2B, 0 3B, 3 RBIs, 5 Runs, 7 BBs, 6 Ks 

    Playoff Stats 

    .160/.222/.240/.462

    4 for 25, 0 HRs, 2 2Bs, 0 3B, 1 RBI, 1 Run, 0 SBs, 1 BB, 10 Ks

  • INF- Edmundo Sosa

    Edmundo Sosa

    (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .251/.293/.427/.719

    10 HRs, 15 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 30 RBIs, 34 Runs, 4 SBs, 8 BBs, 74 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    .182/.182/.364/.545

    2 for 11, 0 HRs, 2 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 2 RBIs, 1 Run, 1 SB, 0 BBs, 4 Ks

    Playoff Stats

    Has not appeared

  • OF- Cristian Pache

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 04: Cristian Pache #19 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates scoring a run during the third inning against the Miami Marlins in Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 04, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .238/.319/.417/.736

    2 HRs, 7 2Bs, 1 3B, 11 RBIs, 12 Runs, 2 SBs, 10 BBs, 27 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    Did Not Face The Diamondbacks

    Playoff Stats

    .143/.333/.143/.476

    1 for 7, 0 HRs, 0 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 1 RBI, 1 Run, 1 SB, 2 BBs, 3 Ks

  • 1B/OF- Jake Cave

    CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 16: Jake Cave #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammates after scoring a run in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 16, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .212/.272/.348/.620

    5 HRs, 8 2Bs, 1 3B, 21 RBIs, 18 Runs, 3 SBs, 15 BBs, 55 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    Did Not Faced The Diamondbacks

    Playoff Stats

    Has Not Appeared

  • C- Garrett Stubbs

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 01: Garrett Stubbs #21 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the New York Mets during their game at Citi Field on October 01, 2023 in New York City.

    (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    .204/.274/.283/.557

    1 HR, 4 2Bs, 1 3B, 12 RBIs, 15 Runs, 2 SBs, 9 BBs, 29 Ks

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    .286/.375/.286/.661

    2 for 7, 0 HRs, 0 2Bs, 0 3Bs, 0 RBIs, 1 Run, 0 SBs, 1 BB, 4 Ks

    Playoff Stats

    Has Not Appeared

  • SP- Zack Wheeler

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 09: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game Two of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 09, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.61 ERA, 13-6, 212 Ks, 192 IPs, 1,08 WHIP

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    3.00 ERA, 1-1, 10 Ks, 12 IPs, 1.17 WHIP, 2 Starts

    Playoff Stats

    2.08 ERA, 1-0, 18 Ks, 13 IPs, .069 WHIP, 2 Starts

  • SP- Aaron Nola

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    4.46 ERA, 12-9, 202 Ks, 193.2 IPs, 1.15 WHIP

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    5.40 ERA, 1-0, 9 Ks, 6.2 IPS, 1.05 WHIP, 1 Start

    Playoff Stats

    1.42 ERA, 2-0, 12 Ks, 12.2 IPs, 0.87 WHIP, 2 Starts

  • SP- Ranger Suarez

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 07: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game One of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 07, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    4.18 ERA, 4-6, 119 Ks, 125 IPs, 1.42 WHIP

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    3.75 ERA, 0-0, 12 Ks, 12 IPs, 1.00 WHIP, 2 Starts,

    Playoff Stats

    1.04 ERA, 1-0, 6 Ks, 8.2 IPs, 0.58 WHIP, 2 Starts

  • SP- Taijuan Walker

    Taijuan Walker

    (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    4.38 ERA, 15-6, 138 Ks, 172.2 IPs, 1.31 WHIP

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    Has Not Faced the Diamondbacks

    Playoff Stats

    Has Not Appeared

  • SP/ RP- Michael Lorenzen

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Michael Lorenzen #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.44 ERA, 3-5, 96 Ks, 99.1 IPs, 1.05 WHIP

    Stats vs. Diamondbacks

    Has Not Faced the Diamondbacks

    Playoff Stats

    0.00 ERA, 0 Ks, 1 IP, 2.00 WHIP, 1 Appearance

  • SP/ RP- Cristopher Sanchez

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Cristopher Sanchez #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 13, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    4.18 ERA, 9-9, 111 Ks, 153 IPs, 1.21 WHIP

    Stats vs. Diamondbacks

    8.1 ERA, 0-1, 3 Ks, 6.2 IPs, 1.20 WHIP, 1 Start

    Playoff Stats

    Has Not Appeared

  • RP- Craig Kimbrel

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 07: Craig Kimbrel #31 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game One of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 07, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.26 ERA, 23 Saves, 94 Ks, 69 IPs, 1.04 WHIP

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    0.00 ERA, 1 Save, 4 Ks, 3 IPs, 0.33 WHIP. 3 Appearances

    Playoff Stats

    0.00 ERA, 2 Saves, 1 Hold, 1 K, 3 IPs, 0.67 WHIP, 3 Appearances

  • RP- Jose Alvarado

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 09: Jose Alvarado #46 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts at the end of the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game Two of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 09, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    1.74 ERA, 10 Saves, 64 Ks, 41.1 IPs, 1.16 WHIP

    Stats vs. Diamondbacks

    0.00 ERA, 1 Save, 1 K, 1 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 1 Appearance

    Playoff Stats

    0.00 ERA, 0 Saves, 4 Holds, 4 Ks, 4 IPs, 4 Appearances

  • RP- Gregory Soto

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 09: Gregory Soto #30 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game Two of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 09, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    4.62 ERA, 3 Saves, 65Ks, 60.1 IPs, 1.14 WHIP

    Stats vs. Diamondbacks

    0.00 ERA, 0 Saves, 3 Ks, 2 IPS, 1.50 WHIP, 3 Appearances

    Playoff Stats

    5.40 ERA, 0 Saves,  1 Hold, 1.2 IPS, 2 Ks, 2.40 WHIP, 3 Appearances

  • RP- Seranthony Dominguez

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 07: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game One of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 07, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    2.41 ERA, 1 Save, 69 Ks, 52.1 IPs, 0.92 WHIP

    Stats vs. Diamondbacks

    3.86 ERA, 0 Saves, 4 Ks, 2.1 IPs, 2.14 WHIP, 3 Appearances

    Playoff Stats

    0.00 ERA, 0 Saves, 2 Holds, 2.2 IPS, 4 Ks, 1.50 WHIP, 3 Appearances

  • RP- Jeff Hoffman

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 09: Jeff Hoffman #68 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game Two of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 09, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.78 ERA, 2 Saves, 48 Ks, 50 Ks, 50 IPs, 1.40 WHIP

    Stats vs. Diamondbacks

    27.00 ERA, 0 Saves, 1 Blown Save, 2 Ks, 1.1 IPs, 3 Appearances

    Playoff Stats

    18.00 ERA, 0 Saves, 1 Hold, 1-1, 1 K, 1 IP, 2.00 WHIP, 1 HLD, 3 Appearances

  • RP- Matt Strahm

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 07: Matt Strahm #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game One of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 07, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    3.29 ERA, 2 Saves, 108 Ks, 87.2 IPs, 1.02 WHIP

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    9.64 ERA, 0 Saves, 4 Ks, 4.2 IPs, 1.71 WHIP, 2 Appearances

    Playoff Stats

    0.00 ERA, 1 Save, 1 Hold, 2.1 IPS, 1 K, 1.29 WHIP, 3 Appearances

  • RP- Orion Kerkering

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Orion Kerkering #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Season Stats

    0.00 ERA, 0 Saves, 6 Ks, 3.0 IPs, 1.33 WHIP

    Stats vs Diamondbacks

    Has Not Faced The Diamondbacks

    Playoff Stats

    0.00 ERA, 1 HLD, 1 K, 3 IPs, 0.67 WHIP, 3 Appearances

Colin Newby is a contributor for 97.5 The Fanatic who transitions Beasley Media's radio content onto digital platforms. His work includes on-site coverage of the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Phillies.

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