Zack Wheeler Shuts Down the Blue Jays: He’s Been Whining a Lot Lately

Last night, the Blue Jays won their matchup against the Phillies. Jose Soriano pitched well, and the Jays' bullpen got the job done in a 5-4 victory.

But it wasn't really the final score that caught everyone's attention. Instead, a sequence in the fourth inning will be remembered as the defining moment of that game.

While Zack Wheeler was on the mound, Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins shouted something. And clearly, that didn't sit well with Wheeler, who shot back at him.

And let's just say it was crystal clear.

It finally became clear after the game that Popkins, at that moment, had asked the umpires to make sure Wheeler kept his foot on the mound when releasing the ball. The home plate umpire had also mentioned this to Wheeler earlier in the game.

After the game, the starting pitcher explained that he's been on a list for a few weeks as a player to watch regarding his foot placement on the mound. But unsurprisingly, he's convinced he's not doing anything illegal.

And during that same postgame press conference, Wheeler took the opportunity to take a jab at the Blue Jays. He claimed that the team—which has been losing quite a bit this season—is looking for reasons to complain.

Nothing less.

Whether he's right or not, it's interesting to note that Wheeler has been quick to complain for the past few weeks. We'll remember, for example, the All-Star Game saga.

He was initially overlooked by MLB for the event, which didn't sit well with him (and rightly so). But once the invitation arrived, he refused to participate because he felt he'd been disrespected.

One might wonder if Wheeler, who is 36, is now less afraid to speak his mind given that he's nearing the end of his career. It's not an unusual phenomenon, after all.

On the other hand, someone who has spent his career feeling underappreciated might just have a lot of pent-up frustration.

We'll see if Wheeler's comments have an impact on this weekend's two games between the two teams. It's safe to assume the Blue Jays didn't appreciate the pitcher's remarks.

Will the team be able to use them as motivation? Stay tuned.

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