Phillies Ace Zack Wheeler to Make at Least Two More Minor-League Starts

Wheeler's rehab from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery continues with more tune-up outings before rejoining the big-league club.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:34am

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Zack Wheeler, the Philadelphia Phillies' ace right-hander, will make at least two more minor-league rehab starts before rejoining the major-league team, manager Rob Thomson announced. Wheeler's second rehab outing at Triple-A Lehigh Valley was a mixed bag, with the pitcher showing good stuff early but losing command in the third inning. Thomson remains unconcerned about Wheeler's velocity, which is still building back up as he works his way back from surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome.

Why it matters

Wheeler's return to the Phillies' rotation is a crucial development as the team looks to build on its 2025 playoff appearance. The right-hander was the team's ace last season, posting a 2.78 ERA and 247 strikeouts over 213 innings. Getting Wheeler back at full strength will provide a major boost to the Phillies' pitching staff and playoff aspirations.

The details

In his second rehab start on Friday, Wheeler worked three innings for Lehigh Valley, allowing four hits, five runs, two walks, and one strikeout. He hit two batters and gave up a three-run homer in the third inning, though manager Rob Thomson noted that a misplay in the outfield contributed to some of the runs. Wheeler's fastball velocity averaged 92.7 mph, down slightly from his first rehab outing, but Thomson expects the velocity to continue ticking up as Wheeler builds arm strength.

  • Wheeler made his second rehab start on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Wheeler is expected to make his third rehab start on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • If all goes well, Wheeler could rejoin the Phillies during their four-game series at Wrigley Field starting April 20, 2026.

The players

Zack Wheeler

The Philadelphia Phillies' ace right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently rehabbing from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who provided an update on Wheeler's rehab progress.

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What they’re saying

“I thought he was pretty sharp the first two innings. He lost command a little bit in the third and had some arm-side misses.”

— Rob Thomson, Manager, Philadelphia Phillies

“It's still spring training for him. I'm expecting the velocity to go up as he gets more pitches under his belt and more innings under his belt. And then it will again with the adrenaline when he gets here.”

— Rob Thomson, Manager, Philadelphia Phillies

What’s next

If Wheeler's next two minor-league starts go well, he could rejoin the Phillies' rotation during their four-game series at Wrigley Field starting on April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The Phillies are taking a cautious approach with Wheeler's return, ensuring he builds up his arm strength and command before rejoining the big-league club. While his velocity is still ramping up, the team is confident Wheeler will be back to his ace-level form once he's fully recovered from the thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.