Phillies Notes: Wheeler, Nola have Strong Weekend

Phillies pitcher Zach Wheeler was the teams' biggest offseason addition, signing a five-year, $118 million free agent contract with Philadelphia this winter.

He made his first appearance against another team since Spring Training tonight, allowing two earned runs over 4.1 innings in the Phillies' exhibition game loss to the Orioles on Sunday.

He gave up four hits and four strikeouts, walking one in what was his lone opportunity to see another opponent until he will face the Marlins when the regular season begins.

There is a possibility that Wheeler won't be able to make his first start this weekend.  His wife is pregnant, and is schedule to deliver the couple first child on Saturday.  If he can't pitch, it is likely that right-hander Vince Velasquez would get the nod in his place.

The Ace Looks Ready

Phillies ace right-hander Aaron Nola got a late start, after reporting late due to his exposure to a person with COVID-19, it appears the next tome he will be on the mound will be at Citizens Bank Park on Opening Day.

Nola threw looked sharp in his tune-up against the Washington Nationals on Saturday night, tossing five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit in a victory over the Nationals.

“I feel like I’m ready,” Nola told Phillies.com. “I think the five up-and-downs that I did definitely helped. I think that’s the biggest thing for starters, especially me. Just to start and stop every inning, get off the mound. It’s a good conditioning for me to be ready.

Whose Next

Velasquez will get the start against the Yankees on Monday night, Jake Arrieta will pitch in a scrimmage game on Wednesday and Zach Eflin will start a simulated game on Thursday.