Philadelphia Phillies fans have plenty to be excited about Zack Wheeler is nearing his long-awaited MLB return. The team has been eyeing a late-April comeback for the veteran right-hander, and his sharp outing on Tuesday in Double-A did nothing to change that timeline.
Wheeler punched out nine hitters over 5 2/3 innings against the Somerset Patriots, later saying he “felt good” throughout the appearance. He certainly looked it, too, striking out five of the first six batters he saw and touching 95 mph with his fastball an encouraging sign for anyone concerned about his velocity.
Although Wheeler still has time remaining in his 30-day rehab window and is eligible for two more minor-league starts, he may only need one. That opens the door for him to return to the majors as early as the Phillies’ April 24–26 series against the Atlanta Braves. Manager Rob Thomson seems content to take things day by day, noting to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki that Wheeler still has the option for two additional outings and calling Tuesday’s performance “a good one.”
Wheeler praises Yankees’ top prospect George Lombard Jr.
Wheeler’s start wasn’t flawless. In the sixth inning, he surrendered a two-out RBI double to George Lombard Jr., the New York Yankees’ No. 1 prospect. The young hitter’s success against an established MLB arm was a confidence-building moment and Wheeler recognized it. After the game, he had high praise for Lombard: “He was taking good swings all night. You can tell he’s a strong kid with a good bat path. He’s going to be a good player. Hopefully I don’t have to face him too often.”
Wheeler might not have many future matchups with Lombard Jr., especially if his planned 2027 retirement holds, but he’s on the verge of facing big-league hitters again. His return will require the Phillies to shuffle their rotation immediately, with Taijuan Walker shaping up as the likely odd man out.
Once Wheeler is back, Philadelphia regains one of the premier pitching rotations in baseball. Thomson isn’t rushing the process, but Wheeler’s return promises a major lift potentially fueling the kind of run the Phillies need to keep pace with a red-hot Atlanta squad.
