Zack Wheeler’s recent struggles raise concern for Phillies

Key Points:

• Zack Wheeler pitched five innings allowing two runs with four walks in a 6-4 Phillies win over the Miami Marlins, continuing a recent pattern of struggles despite his historically strong track record since joining Philadelphia in 2020.
• Wheeler has experienced control issues, walking 10 batters in his last three starts and allowing five two-out runs in the fifth inning over his last two outings, contributing to a 6.64 ERA across his last five starts and a six-start winless streak.
• Despite these challenges, Wheeler's fastball velocity improved Tuesday night after a mechanical adjustment, averaging 95.5 mph and topping out at 97.1 mph, though his offspeed pitches were less effective.
• Phillies manager Don Mattingly remains confident in Wheeler, citing his consistent quality over time and attributing recent difficulties to facing tough lineups and deep counts rather than a decline in ability.
• The Phillies are riding a five-game winning streak, matching a season high, and currently hold control of the National League's second wild-card playoff spot with 35 games left in the regular season.