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MLB Monitors Wheeler After Foot Violation, Coach Ejection

8/8/2026

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Wheeler Monitored

MLB placed Zack Wheeler on a monitoring list after a June 21 start appeared to show his foot off the rubber.
Wheeler cursed at the Toronto Blue Jays, prompting coach David Popkins’s ejection in a 5-4 loss.
The Phillies released video showing Wheeler’s foot stayed on rubber’s edge, with Wheeler saying he will keep pitching.
Wheeler threw 116 pitches, walked five batters—the most since April 7, 2019—and allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings.

Summary

Rogers Saves

The game was delayed nearly two hours by rain before the Phillies honored Chase Utley’s Wall of Fame induction.
A sellout crowd of 43,641 filled Citizens Bank Park, but boos erupted as the Phillies missed scoring chances.
Toronto reliever Tyler Rogers earned his fourth save by retiring Brandon Marsh with the bases loaded in the ninth.

History

Historical Context

The 1970 MLB season, which opened on April 6 and featured the 67th World Series, introduced a “caveat emptor” trade rule and saw the league begin systematic compliance monitoring, a response to issues involving the defending champion New York Mets. In 2024 the Philadelphia Phillies placed Zack Wheeler on a monitoring list after a foot-on-rubber slip, reflecting the same long-term emphasis on rule enforcement.

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Wheeler Monitored

MLB placed Zack Wheeler on a monitoring list after a June 21 start appeared to show his foot off the rubber.
Wheeler cursed at the Toronto Blue Jays, prompting coach David Popkins’s ejection in a 5-4 loss.
The Phillies released video showing Wheeler’s foot stayed on rubber’s edge, with Wheeler saying he will keep pitching.
Wheeler threw 116 pitches, walked five batters—the most since April 7, 2019—and allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings.

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