Phillies' Zack Wheeler Dazzles in Fourth Rehab Outing

The veteran pitcher is making progress in his recovery from a blood clot surgery.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:39am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overlapping, fragmented motions of a baseball pitcher's delivery and a batter's swing, rendered in the vibrant colors of the Phillies and Yankees uniforms.Zack Wheeler's dominant rehab outing showcases the fractured, high-intensity action of a professional baseball pitcher's return to form.Somerset Today

Zack Wheeler, the Philadelphia Phillies' star pitcher, continued his rehab assignment with a dominant performance for the team's Double-A affiliate, the Reading Phillies, on Tuesday night. Wheeler threw 5.2 innings, allowing 4 hits, 3 runs, and striking out 9 batters, including the Yankees' top prospect Anthony Volpe. This was Wheeler's deepest outing and highest pitch count of his rehab so far, as he works his way back from offseason surgery to remove a blood clot.

Why it matters

The Phillies have struggled with their pitching staff this season, posting the second-highest opposing batting average and sixth-highest team ERA in MLB. Wheeler's return to full strength would be a major boost for the team as they look to contend in the NL East.

The details

In his first few rehab starts, Wheeler had mixed results, striking out 3 batters in his debut but then struggling in his second outing. However, his performance on Tuesday night against the Somerset Patriots was a clear step in the right direction. Wheeler is expected to make one more rehab start on Sunday before potentially rejoining the Phillies' major league roster.

  • Wheeler made his season debut with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on April 1st.
  • On April 6th, Wheeler struggled in his second rehab start, allowing 5 runs.
  • On April 14th, Wheeler threw 5.2 innings with 9 strikeouts for the Reading Phillies.
  • Wheeler is expected to make his final rehab start on April 17th.

The players

Zack Wheeler

A 35-year-old starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who is rehabbing from offseason surgery to remove a blood clot.

Anthony Volpe

The New York Yankees' top prospect, currently playing for their Double-A affiliate Somerset Patriots, who struck out against Wheeler during Tuesday's game.

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What they’re saying

“Wheeler's impact on the mound is something that Philadelphia has been missing this season, as they are posting the second-highest opposing batting average (.269), as well as the sixth-highest team ERA (4.62).”

— Todd Zolecki, MLB.com Reporter

What’s next

Wheeler is expected to make one more rehab start on Sunday with the Phillies' Double-A affiliate, which could be his last before potentially rejoining the major league roster.

The takeaway

Zack Wheeler's dominant rehab outing is an encouraging sign for the Phillies, who have struggled with their pitching this season. If Wheeler can continue to progress and regain his Cy Young-caliber form, his return could provide a much-needed boost to the team's playoff hopes.