Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler wasn't pleased he was removed from Wednesday's start against the Pittsburgh Pirates before completing five innings.
"Yeah, I was upset," Wheeler said of receiving the early hook from manager Don Mattingly. "Obviously, feel like I've earned that."
"Obviously, feel like I've earned that." 😳
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 2, 2026
Zack Wheeler let his feelings be known after being pulled in the fifth inning. | @WapnerNewman pic.twitter.com/OSzgEQnhty
Wheeler, who struck out 10 during the Phillies' 10-6 loss, was removed in the fifth frame with his pitch count at 104. The 36-year-old was also pitching in less-than-ideal conditions with temperatures approaching 100 degrees at first pitch.
Mattingly cited pitch count and the hot conditions as two reasons he opted to pull Wheeler early. Wednesday's start was Wheeler's 13th of the season after he underwent surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome last August.
Phillies manager Don Mattingly spoke about Wheeler's outing before Wheeler addressed the media.
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) July 2, 2026
"Didn't get ahead in the count as I'm sure he would like..."
(via @MrUram) https://t.co/3ibqn4lMsG pic.twitter.com/lHaidfTMQJ
Prior to Wednesday, Wheeler hadn't been removed from a start before the fifth inning since June 16, 2024 when he was pulled against the Baltimore Orioles after allowing eight earned runs and four homers in 4 1/3 frames.
