Zack Wheeler dealing with a dip in velocity, but insists his shoulder is fine

Zack Wheeler’s fastball wasn’t its usual fire-breathing self on Sunday, but the Phillies’ ace and his manager aren’t hitting the panic button… yet.

Edmundo Sosa goes deep, Phillies sweep Rangers with 4-2 win on Sunday

After having his start pushed back two days with some right shoulder soreness, Wheeler’s velocity was down across the board in the Phillies’ 4-2 win over the Rangers. Joc Pederson took advantage early, smashing a first-inning cutter for a two-run homer.

It wasn’t just the heat that was missing . Wheeler’s command, normally one of his biggest weapons, was spotty again.

Zack Wheeler grinded his way through 5 innings to get his 1st win in more than a month … but his velocity was down significantly and his fastball command continued to elude him.

There will be a lot of eyes on his next start. pic.twitter.com/IIF2mSnR0V

— Paul Casella (@Paul_CasellaMLB) August 10, 2025

Zack Wheeler’s shoulder soreness has been lingering for a while.

“Honestly, it’s been a while,” Wheeler admitted. “It finally just got to the point where we wanted to get an image of it so we could treat specifically what needed to be treated and not just guess. Today I felt perfectly normal.”

Even with the drop, his sinker averaged 93.0 mph, a full 2.5 mph off his usual. Zack Wheeler gutted through five innings, allowing just those two early runs while striking out seven. It’s not easy to pitch without your best stuff, but Wheeler found a way.

This is what a “not at his best” gets you from Zack Wheeler: Win, 5 IP, 2 Er, 3 Hits, 3 Walks, 7 Strikeouts. 83 pitches, 51 strikes.
I’ll take it.@PitchingNinja
pic.twitter.com/QD5sXG2ojk

— PHILLIES BELL (@PhilliesBell) August 10, 2025

Yes, the velocity is something to watch and yes, he admitted he’s been dealing with shoulder soreness for a while. Wheeler also said he felt “perfectly normal” yesterday.

That’s good enough for me. You’re not going to see panic from Rob Thomson or anyone else in that clubhouse.

“I’m not concerned,” Wheeler said. “It’ll come back.”

Aaron Nola is coming back next weekend.

That changes everything. The Phillies will suddenly have options to make sure Zack Wheeler is exactly where he needs to be for the stretch run. You could go to a six-man rotation for a bit. You could even skip a start if you wanted. Either way, you’re managing one of the best staffs in baseball with the postseason in mind.

Next up for the Phillies

The Fightins roll into Cincinnati tonight with Cyjuan Walker facing Andrew Abbott, looking to keep the road trip rolling.

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