Phillies Facing Tough Decision on Rotation After Wheeler's Return

Philadelphia will have to decide whether to go with a six-man rotation or remove a starter once Zack Wheeler is back from injury.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:48am

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The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing to start the 2026 MLB season without injured pitcher Zack Wheeler, who is recovering from thoracic outlet decompression surgery. However, Wheeler has progressed well in his rehab and could return soon, leaving the Phillies with a difficult decision on how to handle their starting rotation.

Why it matters

The Phillies have a talented starting rotation with several strong options, including Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and top prospect Andrew Painter. Once Wheeler returns, the team will have to decide whether to go with a six-man rotation or remove one of their current starters, which could have implications for the team's pitching staff and playoff hopes.

The details

With Wheeler's return on the horizon, the Phillies will have to choose between keeping a five-man rotation and removing either Nola or Walker, or going with a six-man rotation to ease Wheeler back. Both options have pros and cons - a six-man rotation would provide Wheeler more rest but could disrupt the rhythm of the other starters, while removing Nola or Walker would be a tough decision given their past success and potential.

  • Wheeler threw his second live batting practice session of spring training on March 18, 2026.
  • The Phillies' 2026 MLB season is set to begin in the coming weeks.

The players

Zack Wheeler

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who is recovering from thoracic outlet decompression surgery and nearing a return to the team's rotation.

Cristopher Sanchez

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who is expected to lead the team's rotation in Wheeler's absence.

Jesus Luzardo

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who is expected to be part of the team's rotation in 2026.

Aaron Nola

A veteran starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who may be at risk of being removed from the rotation once Wheeler returns.

Taijuan Walker

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who may also be at risk of being removed from the rotation once Wheeler returns.

Andrew Painter

A top pitching prospect for the Philadelphia Phillies who is expected to be part of the team's rotation in 2026.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies who will be tasked with making the decision on the team's starting rotation once Wheeler is ready to return.

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What’s next

The Phillies will need to make a decision on their starting rotation in the coming weeks as Wheeler nears his return to the team.

The takeaway

The Phillies' starting rotation depth is a good problem to have, but it will require a difficult decision from the team's management on how to best utilize their pitching resources once Zack Wheeler is ready to return from injury.