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The Marlins defeated the Phillies 5-2 in the
opener on Friday.
There had been recent speculation that Wheeler wouldn't be able
to start since his wife delivered a baby boy on Monday. But
Wheeler, who signed a five-year, $118 million free agent
contract in the offseason, will take the mound as expected.
"His arm strength was good, his breaking ball wasn't as good,"
Phillies manager Joe Girardi said of Wheeler after his
exhibition outing last Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. "He
lacked some sharpness, but he kept us in the game. He didn't
walk a lot, but he ran up his pitch count."
Wheeler was 11-8 with a 3.96 ERA for the New York Mets last
season, and he holds a career 7-3 mark with a 1.91 ERA against
the Marlins.
The Phillies lacked offensive punch on Friday as Didi Gregorius
was the lone player with two hits, including a solo home run.
Andrew McCutchen, Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Jean Segura and
Jay Bruce combined to go 0-for-19.
"We've got to bounce back tomorrow," Girardi said.
Ramon Rosso struggled in his major league debut in relief of
Aaron Nola on Friday. Rosso tossed a pair of wild pitches among
his 19 pitches in one-third of an inning. Girardi could be seen
on the telecast consoling his young reliever in the dugout.
"There's some youth down there," Girardi said of the bullpen.
"We have to put them in situations to be successful."
The Marlins will counter with crafty left-hander Caleb Smith as
they look to win their second in a row.
Smith finished 10-11 with a 4.52 ERA last season and posted a
3.60 ERA in three starts against the Phillies. Over his career,
Smith owns a 1-2 record with a 4.50 ERA against the Phillies.
Following the long shutdown, Smith has been eagerly awaiting
this start.
"We made do with what we had," Smith said of working out at his
home in Texas. "It was tough when everything got shut down and
we had to go home. Nobody to throw with, had to throw against a
wall or a net. Just had to find a way to stay ready."
Smith was solid over his last 12 starts last season with a
respectable 3.41 ERA.
The Marlins, who finished 57-105 last season, sure looked ready
and sharp in Friday's victory.
Jesus Aguilar homered while Corey Dickerson and Miguel Rojas
each added two hits. Brandon Kintzler gave up one hit in a
scoreless ninth en route to his 50th career save.
"You just feel like guys are ready and they just want to go,"
Miami manager Don Mattingly said. "Now it's getting to be that
time when we find out what we can do. We've prepared and
prepared, and at some point the gate opens and it's time to
run."
The Marlins will be without catcher Jorge Alfaro, who was placed
on the injured list Friday. Francisco Cervelli and Chad Wallach
will man the position in his absence, with Sean Rodriguez
available in an emergency situation.
--Field Level Media
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