Philadelphia Phillies fans have something special to look forward to in the next few weeks: Zack Wheeler is close to an MLB return. A late April return has been the working plan for Wheeler, and the right-hander didn't give the Phillies' leadership any reason to deviate from that plan with his performance on Tuesday night in Double-A.
Wheeler struck out nine and afterward said he "felt good" during his start against the Somerset Patriots that lasted 5 2/3 innings. He looked good, too. Wheeler fanned five of the first six Patriots batters he faced. His fastball reached 95 mph, a notable development for those worried about his velocity.
Zack Wheeler (@Phillies) spins his longest rehab outing yet for the @ReadingFightins:
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) April 15, 2026
5.2 IP
4 H
3 R
0 BB
9 K
72 pitches (49 strikes) pic.twitter.com/HgIEtPCuFA
Wheeler has time left within the allowed 30-day rehab period to make two further starts in the minors, but he might only need one. In other words, there's a chance Wheeler will rejoin the big-league squad and make an MLB start during the Phillies' April 24-26 series against the Atlanta Braves.
It sounds like Rob Thomson and the Phillies are playing it by ear, with Thomson reminding MLB.com's Todd Zolecki that Wheeler can make two more rehab starts (Thomson described Wheeler's outing as "a good one").
Phillies' Zack Wheeler is impressed with Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr.
Wheeler's night wasn't altogether perfect. Shortly before exiting in the sixth, he did allow a two-out RBI double to Somerset's George Lombard Jr., who is the New York Yankees' No. 1 overall prospect.
It must have been huge for Lombard's growing confidence to smash a double off an MLB pitcher as accomplished as Wheeler, and the moment wasn't lost on Wheeler, either. Following the game, Wheeler had nothing but positive things to say about the young Lombard: "He was taking good swings all night," Wheeler said. "You could tell he's a good, strong kid. He has a good bat path. He's gonna be a good player. Hopefully, I don't have to face him too much."
Wheeler may not be facing Lombard again (especially if Wheeler sticks to his 2027 retirement plan), but he's very close to facing MLB hitters again. Of course, this will force Thomson and the Phillies into immediate rotation adjustments, with Taijuan Walker emerging as the most likely subtraction.
With Wheeler back in the picture, the Phillies will once again have one of the absolute best rotations in baseball. It's clear that Thomson isn't at all interested in rushing Wheeler back, but there's no doubt that Wheeler will give Philadelphia a significant boost upon his return, perhaps allowing the club to go on a run and ensure that it keeps pace with an Atlanta team that's started the season hot.
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