Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler will make at least one more rehab start before returning to the rotation, the team announced on Monday.

Wheeler’s next start will be in Allentown on Wednesday as he continues to work back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

The Phillies have their probable pitching rotation listed up to April 15, but that can change.  The team has an off day on Thursday, April 16, and faces the Atlanta Braves on Friday, April 17, which could be a potential option for Wheeler to make his 2026 MLB debut.

Rob Thomson Provides Timeline for Wheeler’s Return

From Paul Casella of Phillies.com

“It’s still [like] Spring Training for him,” Thomson said. “That’s not gonna be his last [rehab] outing. … There’s at least one more after that. But I’m expecting the velo to go up as he gets more pitches under his belt and more innings under his belt, and then go up again when the adrenaline really hits when he gets here.”

The veteran right-hander was the Phillies Opening Day pitcher in 2024 and 2025, but opened this season on the IL. He made a rehab start on Friday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, allowing five runs over three innings, giving up four hits, and striking out one.

The Phillies’ starting rotation has been a strength of the team so far this season, even without Wheeler. Philadelphia entered Sunday with a 4.11 ERA from starting pitchers through nine games, with Cristopher Sánchez leading the staff with a 0.79 ERA through two starts.

Taijuan Walker’s Struggles and the Looming Roster Move

It’s likely that when Wheeler is ready to return, he will replace Taijuan Walker in the rotation, who has given up 11 runs in 9.2 innings pitched so far in two starts.

The Best Philly Athletes Age 25 or Younger

Philadelphia has some great young athletes right now, from All-Star Tyrese Maxey to two first-round draft picks on the Eagles Defensive Line (Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter). In honor of the Philly Sports Youth Movement, here is my ranking of the Top Ten Philadelphia Professional Athletes who are 25 years old or younger:

Gallery Credit: Josh Hennig/Townsquare Media