Zack Wheeler is set to pitch for the Phillies against the Braves this Saturday. This will mark his first game of the season after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery last year. Manager Rob Thomson shared this exciting news with reporters, noting that Wheeler recently completed his fifth rehab start, throwing four innings and 77 pitches.
In his last outing, Wheeler went 5 2/3 innings with 72 pitches. Thomson suggested that Wheeler could throw over 80 pitches in his debut, possibly reaching around 90, depending on how he performs.
For the Phillies’ upcoming games, they haven’t announced a starter against the Cubs yet, but it is expected that an opener will pitch ahead of Taijuan Walker. Cristopher Sánchez will take the mound on Thursday, followed by Andrew Painter on Friday. Aaron Nola will pitch on Sunday, giving Jesús Luzardo extra rest for the Giants series.
Thomson hasn’t revealed details about the long-term pitching strategy for the team. It’s likely Walker will move into a long relief role after his scheduled appearance, primarily due to his rough start to the season. He hasn’t gone beyond five innings in any of his four games and has allowed six home runs lately.
This year is Walker’s last on his four-year, $72 million contract. If the Phillies’ bullpen were healthy, they might have faced a tough decision about his future. However, with injuries to Jhoan Duran, Jonathan Bowlan, and Zach Pop, it seems Walker will keep his spot. The team could send down players like Kyle Backhus, Chase Shugart, or Alan Rangel once Wheeler returns.
The Philadelphia rotation has had a rocky start, ranking 27th in MLB with a 5.48 earned run average. Only Sánchez has performed well, while Luzardo’s inconsistency has been frustrating. Nola has struggled with giving up home runs, and Painter has been effective but is used cautiously.
The team’s recent loss to the Cubs dropped their record to 8-15, adding to the pressure on the two-time defending NL East champions. They’re looking for Wheeler’s return to be a much-needed boost. Before his injury, he was one of the top pitchers in the league. However, early signs show his velocity has decreased, sitting around 93 mph compared to 96 mph last season.
In a sport where pitching is crucial, Wheeler’s comeback could be the spark the Phillies need. Their success this season will depend on how quickly he can regain his form and how well the rest of the rotation can find their rhythm. As fans keep an eye on Wheeler, they hope for a turnaround that can re-energize the team’s season.
For more insights, you might check out this report on MLB team performances from ESPN or explore expert analysis on pitching trends in today’s game.
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