Phillies’ rotation set for major boost with Zack Wheeler rehab news
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Phillies’ rotation set for major boost with Zack Wheeler rehab news originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Philadelphia Phillies shall soon witness major reinforcement in their rotation with Zack Wheeler potentially returning this week.
The right-hander threw 77 pitches over four innings in his fifth and likely last rehab start on Sunday. Starting for Double-A Reading Fightin Phils, Wheeler recorded four strikeouts and allowed four earned runs on six hits and a walk. While the velocity on his fastball may not be where he likes, Wheeler told reporters that he feels ready to get back to the major league roster.
“I’m a high 90s guy, mid 90s guy, and it’s not there right now. You kind of have to pitch a little bit more when that happens,” Wheeler said. “You’ve got to move the ball around and you’ve got to hit your spots, you’ve got to fool guys a little bit more than kind of just rearing back and throwing. I think that’s probably going to be the biggest adjustment, if that is still down when I do come back. Like I said before, hopefully this warmer weather allows me to kind of get back to close to where I used to be at least, and hopefully get there throughout the season.”
Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet surgery in September. Before Sunday's game, it was reported that this would be Wheeler's final rehab start as the Phillies are pushing for his return. The return is anticipated when the Phillies face the Atlanta Braves later this week.
More: Yankees’ George Lombard Jr. gets massive praise from Zack Wheeler in surprising event
Phillies rotation desperate for Zack Wheeler return
The Phillies rotation has performed poorly in their first 19 games, posting a 5.55 ERA. One can't blame Cristopher Sanchez or even Jesús Luzardo and Andrew Painter, but Taijuan Walker has struggled.
Excluding the start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he gave up two earned runs in five innings, Walker has at least given up three earned runs in his three starts before. His latest start was against the Braves and it was nightmarish. In four innings, he gave up seven runs on seven hits and three walks.
With Zack Wheeler joining the rotation soon, Walker seems to be the guy who will be replaced. In this scenario, Walker could maybe join the rotation and once again join the rotation when an injury happens.
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