The Philadelphia Phillies desperately need Zack Wheeler in their rotation, but a return doesn't seem imminent.
Throughout Zack Wheeler’s rehab process following shoulder surgery last August, the plan always appeared to be for him to rejoin the Philadelphia Phillies rotation at some point during the first part of the season.
In fact, when Wheeler began his six-to-eight-week throwing program during spring training, his potential return was estimated to be at some point early to mid-April.
With the middle of the month quickly approaching, Wheeler shared how he feels and how close he believes he is to being back at the big-league level after a recent rehab start.
On Wednesday, Wheeler didn’t seem too optimistic about an imminent return and admitted that he still feels he’s a “big off” from being ready to pitch at the big-league level again.
“I’m still a little bit off. That's why you take these starts, and try to tinker here and there, but not too much, and kind of let your body adjust, and come along as it plans to,” said Wheeler.
“There's nothing more I can really do to help that, besides, just go out there and pitch, throw, get those reps in.”
This response from Wheeler definitely isn’t what many fans were hoping to hear as he approaches his projected return window, but health remains paramount for the 35-year-old. As much as the Phillies need a boost right now, they’ll need him more later on in the season.
Up to this point, Wheeler has made three rehab appearances. He’s thrown 10.1 innings, given up six earned runs (5.23 ERA), issued four walks, allowed nine hits (1.26 WHIP), and struck out 10 batters.
Jun 30, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesEven though it’d be nice to see some of those numbers improve a little bit before Wheeler gets back to the big-league level, how the pitcher is feeling mechanically is much more important to himself and the organization.
With that in mind, it was encouraging to see Wheeler’s fastball reach 94.3 mph on Wednesday, with the average velocity sitting close to 93 mph. That’s still lower than where the ace was at last year before the injury, but still progress.
Hopefully, when Wheeler says a “bit off,” he means one or two more starts, and not another full month. His next rehab start is scheduled to be on April 15, which could be a big indicator of when Wheeler is ready to get back in Philadelphia’s rotation.
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