Aces Will Reportedly Be Available Out of Bullpen in Tuesday's Game 7

As the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies battle it out in Game 7 of the NLCS on Tuesday night, aces Zack Wheeler and Zac Gallen will reportedly both be available out of the bullpen.

Per Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Zac Gallen said he expects to be available for Game 7 in relief for the Diamondbacks. "Game 7, it's all hands on deck," Torey Lovullo said.

Zac Gallen said he expects to be available for Game 7 in relief for the Diamondbacks. "Game 7, it's all hands on deck," Torey Lovullo said. https://t.co/WxVjhSZmIM
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) October 24, 2023

And per Matt Gelb of 'The Athletic:'

Rob Thomson indicated that Zack Wheeler should be available in relief for Game 7. “All hands on deck,” Thomson said.

Rob Thomson indicated that Zack Wheeler should be available in relief for Game 7. “All hands on deck,” Thomson said.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) October 24, 2023

These two pitchers matched up in Games 1 and 5, with the Phillies taking both matchups.

You'd have to imagine that both managers would like to stay away from their aces since they just pitched on Saturday. Only two full days rest isn't great for health or performance, but with the World Series on the line, you have to applaud both pitchers for wanting the ball.

Gallen went 6.0 innings in his Game 5 start, surrendering four earned runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out one. He has an ERA of 5.24 in these playoffs and is 2-2. In the regular season, he had a fantastic year, going 17-9 with a 3.47 ERA. He'll be a candidate for the National League Cy Young award and was the NL starter in the All-Star Game.

As for Wheeler, he threw 7.0 innings in Game 5, allowing just one run and striking out eight. He's 3-0 this postseason with a 2.08 ERA.

In the regular season, he was 13-6 with a 3.61.

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