The Philadelphia Phillies will see the return of starting pitcher Zack Wheeler on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, according to an April 21 announcement. This marks Wheeler’s first start since August of last season following thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September.
Wheeler’s comeback is significant for a team struggling with its pitching rotation and enduring a six-game losing streak. The Phillies’ starting pitchers have recorded a combined earned run average (ERA) of 5.48, which ranks near the bottom among Major League Baseball teams. The rotation has allowed 75 runs (68 earned), placing added pressure on an already challenged offense.
Manager Rob Thomson said about Wheeler’s progress, “I think he’s basically at the end of Spring Training. The fastball velocity’s gone up. It’s not where it’s gonna be, I don’t believe. The command has been some days good, some days not as good. But I’m expecting on a normal day, weather-wise, that he’s gonna have his command.” Thomson added that Wheeler will likely be limited to under six innings and approximately 90 pitches during his debut but did not specify how this would affect the rest of the pitching staff moving forward.
Wheeler began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on March 28 before completing two starts for Double-A Reading. His recovery included bullpen sessions in Spring Training after having part of his first rib removed as part of his operation last year due to a blood clot around his right shoulder.
Other members of Philadelphia’s rotation have struggled early in the season; Jesús Luzardo entered Tuesday night’s game with a 7.94 ERA and veterans Taijuan Walker and Aaron Nola posted ERAs of 9.16 and 5.06 respectively.
The Philadelphia Phillies are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises and serve both local fans in Philadelphia and those across broader regions according to their official website. They play home games at Citizens Bank Park—a stadium they have used since 2004—and are led by executives including their chief executive officer and general manager according to their official website.
Reflecting on Wheeler’s impact, Thomson said: “Having Zack Wheeler on your 26-man roster makes you a better roster, no matter what,” adding: “When he’s healthy and pitching well, he’s one of the best, if not the best pitcher in the National League.”
The Phillies are also recognized as charter members of Major League Baseball’s National League according to their official website and achieved World Series victories in both 1980 and 2008 according to their official website.
