Zack Wheeler learned to never shake off J.T. Realmuto the hard way after giving up a home run

Phillies ace Zack Wheeler had a solid outing on Tuesday night, with a 6th inning home run by Luis Garcia serving as the only blemish. In his postgame media availability, Wheeler revealed that he gave up the home run after shaking off J.T. Realmuto, which was the only time he did all night.

Zack Wheeler let the media know that he learned his lesson about shaking off the BCIB:

Zack Wheeler says the one time he shook J.T. Realmuto off tonight is when he gave up the homer to Luis Garcia Jr.

(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/v7vqKqt0dU

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) April 30, 2025

Of course, here is the home run in question.

deuces pic.twitter.com/LiBSs5CMZo

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 30, 2025

Yeah, I don’t know what to tell you on this one that you haven’t already muttered under your breath to yourself on the mound, Zack. I’m sure it went something like, “Fuck, why did I shake off J.T.?”

Baseball has many unwritten rules, but I think this one should be written down and prominently displayed throughout the bullpen and dugout. I don’t care if Castellanos is pitching in a 20-run blowout; he’s throwing what J.T. tells him to.

Gear up in the TLL Shop