Phillies vs Jays Preview: Zack Wheeler returns to the mound, squares off with Kevin Gausman at 6:45 EST

The Philadelphia Phillies look to snap their 5-game losing streak tonight against the Toronto Blue Jays at 6:45 EST.
Zack Wheeler (11-7, 3.07 ERA) returns to the mound for the Fightins, going up against Kevin Gausman (12-10, 3.45 ERA).
The Phillies pitching staff got embarrassed on Tuesday night, allowing a combined 18 total runs in an ugly 18-11 loss to the Jays. Luckily for the Phillies, the Brewers lost as well, keeping our lead at 2.5 games (3.5 with tiebreaker) with 15 games to play. The magic number is 12.
It was good to see the Phillies offense wake up, as they recorded 15 hits last night and 11 runs, powered by a 5-hit night from JT Realmuto, one of those hits being his 1,000th of his career. Kyle Gibson stunk from the beginning, allowing a three-run bomb to Matt Chapman in the bottom of the first that set the tone for the rest of the night. Gibson allowed seven earned runs and 12 hits in five innings
The Phillies could be getting Nick Castellanos back early next week, as it’s reported that he could be making a rehab assignment this weekend. The team did lose Brandon Marsh last night for the game after he ran into the wall, but it seems like the centerfielder doesn’t have anything major to worry about.
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Zack Wheeler vs. Kevin Gausman
Phillies ace Zack Wheeler returns to the mound for the first time since being placed on the IL on August 25th (retro to the 22nd) with right forearm tendinitis. The Phillies said the injury wasn’t anything serious at the time, and it was more of the team being cautious with Wheeler. Zack has been dominant at home this season, holding a 6-3 record with a 1.95 ERA and 81 Ks.
With Wheeler’s arm not 100% ready, don’t expect him to go deep into tonight’s game. The Phillies plan to use Noah Syndergaard as a piggyback for Wheeler tonight.
Kevin Gausman takes the hill for Toronto, holding an 8-3 record on the road with a 2.45 ERA and 102 Ks.
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
Blue Jays | -1.5 (+150) | -104 | O8.5 (-106) |
Phillies | +1.5 (-182) | +112 | U8.5 (-114) |
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If Zack Wheeler comes back and throws like he usually does, tonight will be an under-game. Take the Phillies ML as well.