Zack Wheeler returning for Phillies. Fans rejoice on social media

The Philadelphia Phillies are receiving a big boost. Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced before an April 21 game against the Chicago Cubs that right-hander Zack Wheeler is returning to the rotation on April 25 against the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta. Wheeler, the Phillies’ ace, had venous thoracic outlet decompression surgery last August to remove a blood clot near his rib. The right-hander has thrown 20 innings in five minor league games. He is 0-1 with a 5.85 ERA. He has struck out 23 batters and walked five. He has also allowed three homers. In his last outing, Wheeler allowed four runs, including two homers, on six hits over four innings while pitching for Double-A Reading on April 19 against the Somerset Patriots.

Zack Wheeler dipped back to low 90s fastballs today after sitting at 93-94 on Tuesday. He attributed that to cold weather and long innings, but acknowledged he might have to be craftier for some period of time when he rejoins the Phillies.

“You’ve got to move the ball around and…

— Greg Johnson (@gregp\_j) April 19, 2026 A healthy Wheeler could provide a boost to the Phillies’ pitching staff, which ranks 26th in MLB with a 4.79 ERA and 30th in batting average against at .276 entering the April 21 game against the Chicago Cubs.

Phillies fans celebrate Zack Wheeler’s return

While Wheeler has struggled during his minor league rehab, Phillies fans are still excited to see their ace return.

This is what it’s going to feel like when Zack Wheeler returns to the Phillies this weekend: pic.twitter.com/U7M8KtPhd7

— Colin McTamany (@Colin\_McT) April 21, 2026 Zack Wheeler returning to the Phillies pic.twitter.com/ikZZecQHwz

— ⓙⓐⓦⓝ (@jawnes12) April 21, 2026 Just wait for when the Phillies get:

• Aiden miller called up