Phillies reveal plan for an ailing Zack Wheeler

Zack Wheeler left his last start on Wednesday after the fifth inning and just 76 pitches. Wheeler was pulled after he began feeling tightness in his lower back. Manager Rob Thomson explained after the game that Wheeler had been experiencing some similar symptoms during his last few outings, but this time, it was due to him sitting for an extended fourth inning while the Phillies put up six runs.

Wheeler seemed optimistic after the 10-1 clobbering of the Los Angeles Dodgers that his regular rotation rest would be enough time to get back on the mound to finish out his first half.

After some speculation about what would happen with Wheeler during the coming break, the Phillies finally revealed their plans.

Phillies reveal plan for an ailing Zack Wheeler

It was announced Friday by MLB.com's Todd Zolecki that Wheeler will miss his scheduled start on Sunday to rest his back and jump back into the rotation against the Minnesota Twins during the team's second series after the All-Star break.

The Phillies were hoping that if anyone could stay healthy, it would be Wheeler. The good news is that the Phillies are closing out their first half playing the less-than-intimidating Oakland Athletics — although they did drop Game 1 on Friday 6-2.

Wheeler has proven his worth this year, posting a 10-4 record and 2.70 ERA with 126 strikeouts in 116 2/3 innings. His 2.70 ERA leads the National League, which puts Wheeler in another Cy Young conversation, after he came second in voting back in 2021, and was rightfully voted to his second All-Star Game this year.

Wheeler is a different breed when it comes to his approach to pitching with his relaxed demeanor, whether he's pitching in a big game or his scheduled off day. He's back to dominating the league, per Baseball Savant. Wheeler is in the 96th percentile in average exit velocity and 90th percentile in hard-hit percentage among hitters he's faced.

The break is coming at the right time for the Phillies. Beyond Wheeler, there are a few guys who could greatly benefit from a midseason break.

Wheeler stated that he feels better, which is important only a few days removed from his last start. Health still has to remain the focus as looking back on the season, a dropped game or two isn't going to derail it. Managing players like the valuable assets they are keeps the talent on the field for even better postseason performances.