Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler. Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

'No chance' Zack Wheeler pitches Game 4 of NLCS for Phillies

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Oct 20, 2022 7:13 PM ET

The San Diego Padres can breathe a sigh of relief.

After being shut out by Philadelphia Phillies starter Zack Wheeler in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, the Padres won't have to see the Philly ace again until at least Game 5 of the best-of-seven set.

On Thursday, Phillies manager Rob Thomson revealed to reporters that there's "no chance" Wheeler will start for the team in Game 4 this Saturday.

Rob Thomson says there’s “no chance” Zack Wheeler comes back to pitch in Game 4.

It will be one of Noah Syndergaard, Kyle Gibson or Bailey Falter.
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) October 20, 2022

While a starter for Game 4 has yet to be announced, Thomson said the Phils would start Noah Syndergaard, Kyle Gibson or Bailey Falter.

Wheeler threw only 83 pitches in the Game 1 victory earlier this week. And there was a tiny sliver of hope that Wheeler could start again on short rest. However, it appears the Phillies plan to take a more cautious approach with their rotation.

The NLCS is knotted up at one game apiece heading into Game 3 on Friday. Joe Musgrove will take the hill for the Friars, while Ranger Suarez gets the start for the Phillies.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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