Zack Wheeler Nears Return After Dominant Rehab Outing with Reading

Zack Wheeler is getting closer to his return to the Philadelphia Phillies’ starting rotation.

Wheeler pitched 5.2 innings for Double-A Reading Tuesday night against the Somerset Patriots in his fourth rehab start, working his way back from last year’s thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

The right-hander struck out nine batters and allowed four hits and three runs.

Velocity and Pitch Count Numbers

Wheeler threw 72 pitches (49 strikes) after tossing 61 pitches (44 strikes) in his previous rehab outing. Per reports, he clocked in at 95 mph after averaging 92.9 in his last start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.  

Wheeler confirmed he will make one more rehab start on Sunday for Reading before returning to the rotation.

When Will Zack Wheeler Return to the Phillies?

If Wheeler does make his return to the majors, it looks like it could be next weekend when the Phillies head to Atlanta to face the Braves.