3 players who must save Phillies amid Zack Wheeler’s sudden collapse

The Philadelphia Phillies enter Tuesday night’s second game of their three-game road series vs. the Seattle Mariners at 73-59, just 3.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves. However, Zack Wheeler’s sudden regression has created an urgent postseason problem. He entered the All-Star break at 10-1 with a 2.13 ERA before going 0-4 with a 7.18 ERA across his first seven second-half starts. Wheeler allowed eight earned runs, nine hits, five walks, and four home runs over four-plus innings Monday. The eight earned runs matched his career high. His velocity has largely remained intact, and he said he feels healthy, but his diminished command has weakened the Phillies’ greatest postseason advantage. The Phillies’ starting rotation can still spearhead a potential World Series run. However, Philadelphia needs its other three established starters to redefine their roles before October rather than wait for Wheeler to rediscover his command. Cristopher Sanchez must become the Phillies’ unquestioned ace Cristopher Sanchez can no longer function merely as Wheeler’s co-ace. He must become the unquestioned leader of the Phillies’ postseason rotation and their Game 1 choice if Wheeler’s command issues continue. Sanchez is 16-4 with a 2.62 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 194 strikeouts across 168 1/3 innings. Before allowing four runs Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals, the 29-year-old pitcher had gone 6-0 with a 2.18 ERA over his last seven starts. Philadelphia now needs him to work deep into games and limit the pressure on its vulnerable middle relief corps. Excellent production is no longer enough. Sanchez must give the Phillies a true ace. Jesus Luzardo must preserve Philadelphia’s rotation Jesus Luzardo must provide the second frontline option that keeps Philadelphia’s rotation formidable. His 11-5 record, 3.35 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 194 strikeouts show he can control games without relying heavily on defense or run support. The Phillies especially need the dominant pitcher who emerged after June 10. Entering his start last Friday, Luzardo had recorded a 1.98 ERA and an MLB-high 105 strikeouts across 12 outings. His occasional home-run lapses carry greater consequences while Wheeler struggles. Allowing two homers against St. Louis offered a reminder of that risk. Luzardo must sustain his swing-and-miss dominance and prevent one mistake from becoming a crooked inning. Aaron Nola must make his August turnaround permanent Aaron Nola offers Philadelphia the greatest uncertainty and clearest opportunity. His 5-9 record, 5.12 ERA, and 1.42 WHIP across 137 innings reflect a difficult season. His recent improvement suggests he can still restore balance to the rotation. Nola has posted a 2.51 ERA with 34 strikeouts over his last five starts. He also held the Miami Marlins to just one run across seven innings, striking out eight without issuing a walk. Now, he must prove that sharper command can withstand better lineups. Tuesday’s matchup against George Kirby provides an immediate test. Sanchez and Luzardo already look like postseason starters. Nola must turn an encouraging August into dependable October-level form. Wheeler still has five or six starts to fix his command, while his intact velocity provides legitimate optimism. Yet the Phillies cannot make their World Series hopes dependent upon that recovery. Sanchez must lead, Luzardo must dominate, and Nola must make his resurgence last. The post 3 players who must save Phillies amid Zack Wheeler’s sudden collapse appeared first on ClutchPoints.