The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing to begin the 2026 MLB season without Zack Wheeler, who is battling back after undergoing thoracic outlet decompression surgery last year. However, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported on Wednesday that Wheeler threw his second live batting practice session of spring training.
It is a significant update without question. However, one other part of Zolecki’s article stands out. He mentioned that Philadelphia could potentially turn to a six-man rotation once Wheeler returns, or the team could simply remove a starter from the rotation for Wheeler.
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It will be a big decision to make. If all of the current starters in the rotation stay healthy, then Philadelphia will have an especially challenging choice.
Phillies Facing Difficult Decision
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49)© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
So, who are the current starters in the rotation amid Wheeler’s absence? Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo will lead the way, with Aaron Nola right behind them. Veteran Taijuan Walker and top prospect Andrew Painter are expected to be in the back of the rotation.
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Expectations have been high for Painter for years. Philadelphia is going to give him an opportunity. Sanchez and Luzardo are stars at the top of the rotation. If the Phillies decide to stay with a five-man rotation once Wheeler returns, one would imagine that Nola or Walker would end up being moved out of the rotation.
Nola was once considered to be one of MLB’s best pitchers. He has been up and down in recent seasons, though. Walker has displayed promise in the past, but he has also been quite inconsistent over the past few seasons.
If a starter is removed from the rotation, where would they end up? After all, the chances of Nola or Walker being sent to the minor leagues are slim.
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Perhaps the Phillies could make the pitcher available in a trade, or a move to the bullpen may end up being the choice.
A six-man rotation remains a possibility. Although rare, it would not be shocking to see Philadelphia implement this strategy. The approach would provide Wheeler with extra time between starts as he adjusts to pitching in the big leagues once again.
The Phillies are nearing the time to make that decision. For now, it seems as if they have their starting five ready to go with opening day right around the corner. Philadelphia’s pitching will need to step up in 2026 in order for the team to make a World Series run.
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Related: Rob Thomson Makes Zack Wheeler Decision at Phillies Spring Training
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.