PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies announced that Zack Wheeler would start the first game of their doubleheader on Thursday after Wednesday night’s rainout, and the proclamation stood for all of 14 minutes.
Manager Rob Thomson’s phone rang shortly after the initial decision was made, with Wheeler on the other line. “Is it too late to switch?” Philadelphia’s ace asked. “I’d like to pitch the night game.”
“You’re Zack Wheeler,” Thomson said to reporters on Thursday morning, recalling the conversation. “You can do whatever you want.”
With his change of mind, Wheeler set up a showdown with Braves star pitcher and reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale.