By Sam Bush
It appears that the Phillies pitching coach shouldn’t pencil in new ace Zack Wheeler until he checks the birth notices.
The Athletic is reporting that Wheeler will miss at least two starts when his wife goes into labor and gives birth to their first child, expected to be later this month. Wheeler, in fact, is not sure if he will return to play at all once their child is born.
Wheeler said, “We just have to see how things are here at the field and at the stadium. I’m happy with what I see so far. But things could change, especially once our baby’s born. I always think about what’s going on around me. Is it safe? Is it OK? Literally every single day. I have to just ask myself that. I’m going to continue to keep asking myself that every day.”
Wheeler, 30, signed a five-year, $118 million contract with the Phillies in December. He is slated for the No. 2 spot in the rotation behind Aaron Nola. Last season, with the Mets, Wheeler posted a 3.96 ERA with 195 strikeouts and 50 walks over 195 1/3 innings.
The No. 5 spot in the Phillies’ rotation is currently up for grabs between Nick Pivetta, Vince Velasquez, Ranger Suárez, and prospect Spencer Howard. One of the remaining three could fill in for Wheeler when he needs time off, temporarily or otherwise.
#Phillies starter Zack Wheeler considered NOT playing for the Phillies & sounds like he could opt out after his pregnant wife gives birth this month
“Things could change… it’s a very difficult decision”
Wheeler says he asks himself everyday if it’s safe?@6abc#ZackWheeler pic.twitter.com/HNLz9JXVM4
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) July 5, 2020
