Zack Wheeler’s third rehab outing shows there’s still work to be done

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 26: Zach Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies takes the field during the pre-game ceremony prior to the game between the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

One of their missing pieces to their roster, the Phillies saw Zack Wheeler make his third rehab start with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Wednesday evening. The results were better this time around, if that’s something that you’re looking at closely.

Vintage Zack Wheeler tonight🤩 #ironpigs#phillies#baseball#zackwheelerpic.twitter.com/jxXnLBp21m

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— Lehigh Valley IronPigs (@IronPigs) April 8, 2026

The real thing to watch with Wheeler is how the stuff is coming out post surgery and the results there were a little more encouraging.

Zack Wheeler made another rehab start in AAA today, firing off 61 pitches with 6 K over 4.1 IP

Wheeler is making his way back from venous thoracic outlet syndrome that has kept him out since last August. The pitch count is encouraging, but the velocity is understandably down pic.twitter.com/FBohbdthBP

— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) April 9, 2026

Postgame, Wheeler talked about still feeling a “little bit off” a bit with everything that is going on in the process, which is understandable.

Asked Zack Wheeler how close he feels to rejoining the staff:

“I’m still a little bit off, that’s why you take these starts so can tinker here and there but not too much … there’s nothing more I can do but get those reps in.” #Philliespic.twitter.com/kocNRMoUzr

— Cory Nidoh (@Cory_Nidoh) April 9, 2026

As much as we want Wheeler to come back looking like the Zack Wheeler we know and love this season, those expectations need to be throttled back. It’s probably to expect that the days of his hitting in the upper tier of 90’s with his velocity won’t happen this season, living in the range of 93-95 with his fastball. That’s certainly doable for him considering how good a command he has of everything else in his arsenal, so the next question comes back when to expect him.

We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, he’s healthy and making regular starts where he’s showing effectiveness. That’s awesome.

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