Zack Wheeler will start a rehabilitation assignment on Saturday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, following what Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson described as a successful spring. The announcement came after the team’s Grapefruit League finale against the Rays in Clearwater, Fla., on March 23.
Wheeler’s progress is significant for the Phillies as they prepare for the regular season. The pitcher is expected to return to the starting rotation in April if his rehab goes as planned.
Wheeler pitched a two-inning simulated game Monday morning at Carpenter Complex, retiring seven of eight batters and throwing 29 pitches with velocity around 94 mph, according to Thomson. “A successful spring,” Wheeler said. He added that he expects to make three or four starts for Lehigh Valley before rejoining the major league roster next month. “Four-ish, give or take,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler will travel with the Phillies back to Philadelphia for Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park and may return between minor league starts for evaluations by team staff. “It would’ve been nice to get into a [Grapefruit League] game, but this is good enough. … We kind of mapped it out, and this was part of the plan. It’s good to just check that box, and kind of had no setbacks as we’ve moved through camp to be able to get to this point,” he said.
After surgery last September and subsequent weight loss due to dietary restrictions, Wheeler reported being about ten pounds lighter than last season but noted past success pitching at similar weights: “I pitched at 185 when I was with the Mets and I did well and I threw just as hard.”
Thomson remains optimistic about Wheeler’s readiness: “I’m very confident,” Thomson said. “His command has been normal. The velocity is normal for this time of Spring Training for him. I don’t have any reason to not be confident.”
Right-hander Orion Kerkering also continued his recovery from a strained right hamstring; he threw an inning Monday morning—his third appearance this spring—and will pitch again Wednesday in Clearwater before joining Triple-A action Saturday.
The Phillies are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises and serve fans regionally and nationally according to their official website. They play home games at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia—a stadium they’ve used since 2004—and have won World Series titles in both 1980 and 2008 according to their official website.
