Phillies’ rotation set for major boost with Zack Wheeler rehab news

TL;DR

Zack Wheeler is set to return to the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation after completing his rehab, with his return expected later this week against the Atlanta Braves. He threw 77 pitches in his final rehab start, feeling ready despite some velocity concerns.

Key points

Zack Wheeler completed his final rehab start.
He recorded four strikeouts and allowed four earned runs.
Wheeler is expected to return against the Atlanta Braves.

Philadelphia PhilliesAtlanta BravesZack Wheeler

Phillies’ rotation set for major boost with Zack Wheeler rehab news originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies shall soon witness major reinforcement in their rotation with Zack Wheeler potentially returning this week.

The right-hander threw 77 pitches over four innings in his fifth and likely last rehab start on Sunday. Starting for Double-A Reading Fightin Phils, Wheeler recorded four strikeouts and allowed four earned runs on six hits and a walk. While the velocity on his fastball may not be where he likes, Wheeler told reporters that he feels ready to get back to the major league roster.

“I’m a high 90s guy, mid 90s guy, and it’s not there right now. You kind of have to pitch a little bit more when that happens,” Wheeler said. “You’ve got to move the ball around and you’ve got to hit your spots, you’ve got to fool guys a little bit more than kind of just rearing back and throwing. I think that’s probably going to be the biggest adjustment, if that is still down when I do come back. Like I said before, hopefully this warmer weather allows me to kind of get back to close to where I used to be at least, and hopefully get there throughout the season.”

Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet surgery in September. Before Sunday's game, it was reported that this would be Wheeler's final rehab start as the Phillies are pushing for his return. The return is anticipated when the Phillies face the Atlanta Braves later this week.

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Q&A

When is Zack Wheeler expected to return to the Phillies?

Zack Wheeler is anticipated to return to the Phillies' rotation later this week when they face the Atlanta Braves.

What were Zack Wheeler's stats in his final rehab start?

In his final rehab start, Zack Wheeler threw 77 pitches over four innings, recording four strikeouts and allowing four earned runs on six hits and one walk.

What surgery did Zack Wheeler undergo and when?

Zack Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet surgery in September, which has sidelined him until now.