When two of their top starters had to leave games early due to injuries, the Red Sox could have been in trouble. Led by Wheeler, who allowed no runs or walks in four innings while striking out three batters, the 'pen helped the Red Sox win four of the last five games.
The 33-year-old from Warwick, R.I., came on in Monday's 9-7 loss to the Blue Jays and pitched 2 2/3 innings, retiring all eight batters he faced. He faced only one batter two days later, but it was a strikeout that earned him a hold in a 6-4 win over Toronto.
After Josh Beckett left Friday's game with a mildly hyperextended knee, Wheeler was one of three relievers who nailed down the 10-3 victory. Wheeler pitched one perfect inning with two strikeouts.
Wheeler has been selected this week's Amica Pitcher of the Week.
The Red Sox close out the first half of the season by sending John Lackey to the mound Saturday. Kyle Weiland was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket to start Sunday in the final game before the All-Star break.