Wheeler, Nola models of consistency for Phils
The pitch is a sweeper, and it is likely to be one.
“I think he could just throw his fastball and get guys out,” Nola mentioned, laughing. “That thing is going to be good because all of his pitches are good. He’s a pitcher that really doesn’t need to use a ton of it, right? Just because he’s so consistent with all his stuff, especially his fastball.”
Nola and Wheeler every threw six innings on the Phillies’ Carpenter Complex on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The Phils wished every pitcher to get six ups and downs in a managed setting, somewhat than threat a high-pitch inning in a Grapefruit League recreation. They will every make yet another begin earlier than Opening Day.
On Friday, Nola is anticipated to be named the Opening Day starter towards the Rangers at Globe Life Field on March 30. It could be his sixth consecutive season-opening begin.
Wheeler would begin Game 2, after which the house opener on April 6 at Citizens Bank Park.
This shall be Nola’s and Wheeler’s fourth season collectively. Few beginning pitching duos in Phillies historical past have been extra constant and efficient. In reality, they’re simply the fifth duo for the Phils prior to now 100 years to every submit not less than 2.2 WAR or higher for 3 consecutive seasons, in keeping with Baseball Reference.
They be part of Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee (2011-13), Chris Short and Larry Jackson (1968-70), Jim Bunning and Short (1964-67) and Robin Roberts and Curt Simmons (1952-54). That group contains two Hall of Famers (Bunning and Roberts) with a mixed 34 All-Star appearances, one Cy Young Award, six top-five Cy Young finishes, 5 top-10 MVP finishes, one World Series MVP and one National League Championship Series MVP.
Nola and Wheeler hope to maintain issues going past this 12 months, however Nola is a free agent after the season. The Phillies opened camp final month hoping to signal him to a contract extension earlier than Opening Day, which is just 9 days away.
Nola desires to get one thing carried out earlier than Opening Day, in any other case he mentioned final month he desires to attend till after the season to renew negotiations.
He mentioned he doesn’t need to be distracted.
“I haven’t really … my agents are handling that,” Nola mentioned, requested about an replace. “I’m just focusing on one more start [in Spring Training] and getting ready for the season and having a good season, and getting to where we want to get again.”
Ideally, the Phillies signal Nola, then start occupied with Wheeler. He will change into a free agent following the 2024 season.
“I’ve enjoyed pitching with him,” Wheeler mentioned. “Good man. Good clubhouse man. Obviously, on the mound, he’s what he’s. He’s one of many prime pitchers within the recreation. He throws a whole lot of innings. Strikes a whole lot of guys out.
“That’s what you ask for. So, hopefully, we can see him in Phillies red a lot longer. Hopefully, we can get that done.”
