Phillies’ Suarez, Wheeler Ready to Make Spring Training Debuts

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitchers Ranger Suarez and Zack Wheeler are expected to make their spring training debut, with Suarez on Friday and Wheeler on Saturday.

Wheeler’s status has been up in the air this spring after dealing with shoulder soreness this offseason.

Manager Joe Girardi added that Wheeler will throw innings "somewhere" next Thursday.

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That means Aaron Nola will start on Opening Day against Oakland at Citizens Bank Park

Over 32 starts last season (213.1 innings pitched), Wheeler finished with a 14-10 record to go along with a 2.78 ERA and 1.01 WHIP and 247 strikeouts, finishing second in the 2021 National League Cy Young Award voting.

Suarez was late arriving to camp because of visa issues, but could fit in two Grapefruit League starts and be ready for his first turn in the rotation when the regular season begins. The 26-year-old left-hander went 8-5 with a 1.36 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 106 innings (12 starts, 27 relief appearances) last season.