2. Zack Wheeler is on his way back
After getting off to a slow start in his throwing routine and missing the honor of being the Phillies’ Opening Day starter, Wheeler was excellent against the Rockies on Thursday.
The 2021 NL Cy Young runner-up pitched six shutout innings, only allowing one hit, and striking out seven. He did issue four walks, and his velocity is still a bit lower than usual (sitting mid-90s instead of high 90s), but it was a serious improvement from his first three starts of the season.
This was Wheeler’s first start of more than five innings, first scoreless outing, and highest strikeout count, all encouraging signs.