Zack Wheeler's Imminent Return Bolsters Phillies' Rotation
Zack Wheeler, a key figure in the Philadelphia Phillies' pitching arsenal, is on the verge of making a much-anticipated return. After sitting out Spring Training due to recovery from surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome, Wheeler is set to begin his rehab assignment in Triple-A this Saturday. He'll start with a three-inning outing to gradually ramp up his pitch count.
Before his season was cut short last August by a blood clot in his right shoulder, Wheeler was delivering an exceptional performance. With a 2.71 ERA and a 0.935 WHiP over 149.2 innings, he struck out 195 batters while issuing just 33 walks. Despite the premature end to his season, his efforts earned him down-ballot Cy Young votes, a testament to his impact on the mound.
Phillies' Rotation Ready for a Boost
Even without Wheeler, the Phillies' rotation remains formidable. Cristopher Sanchez emerged as a standout in 2025, securing second place in the NL Cy Young race and ranking third in the majors with a 6.4 fWAR. Meanwhile, Jesus Luzardo has proven to be a reliable middle-of-the-rotation presence, and Aaron Nola is eager to rebound from a challenging 2025 season.
Wheeler's return could be the final piece to elevate this rotation to new heights. With a 30-day window to activate him after his rehab assignment begins, the Phillies have ample time to ensure he's ready to contribute. If all goes well, fans can expect to see Wheeler back on the mound in Philadelphia by the end of April, adding another layer of depth and talent to an already impressive pitching lineup.