Zack Wheeler Is Finally Coming Back and the Phillies Rotation Desperately Needs It

The Philadelphia Phillies are in trouble. After eight months sidelined by a blood clot near his right shoulder that required thoracic outlet surgery, ace Zack Wheeler is set to make his first start since August this Saturday against the Braves in Atlanta. Manager Rob Thomson announced the news Tuesday, and honestly, the timing couldn't be more critical for a team that just dropped to 8-14 after a brutal six-game losing streak.

The Long Road Back

Wheeler last threw a pitch on August 15, 2025, exiting after five innings against Washington. That was over eight months ago. To get back, the 35-year-old right-hander just completed a five-game minor league rehab stint, throwing 77 pitches for Double-A Reading on Sunday while also pitching for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Now he's rejoined the Phillies in Chicago and is ready for the big stage.

Thomson said he doesn't expect Wheeler to face major restrictions against the Braves. "I see him as kind of a six innings, 90 pitches guy," Thomson told reporters before the Phillies faced the Cubs. "I think he's basically at the end of spring training."

One of the League's Best, Finally Healthy

Before going down, Wheeler was putting together a dominant sixth season with the Phillies: 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA through 149 and two-thirds innings across 24 starts. For his career, the three-time All-Star is 113-75 with a 3.28 ERA over 11 seasons with Philadelphia and the Mets.

"I think having Zack Wheeler on your 26-man roster makes you a better roster no matter what," Thomson said. "So when he's healthy and pitching, well he's one of, if not the best pitcher in the National League."

The Phillies need that elite version of Wheeler right now. Saturday's matchup in Atlanta is the chance to prove this rotation can compete again.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.