Phillies Announce Roster Move Before Braves Game

Wheeler’s expected recovery timeline was around six to eight months, and working closely with team trainers throughout the process, he has been able to return at the eight-month mark. He made five rehab starts, with stops in Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, before the Phillies knew he was ready to return. 

McFarlane had only just arrived in Atlanta after being recalled from Reading on Friday to take an open roster spot after Taijuan Walker’s release, before being optioned back to Double-A. The 24-year-old posted a 1.42 ERA in seven games in Double-A this season. Strong numbers, but Wheeler’s return made his stay with the Phillies just a one-day stay.

Bowlan, on the other hand, has been working his way back from a right groin strain that landed him on the 15-day IL on April 13. The 29-year-old reliever had seven innings of relief over seven games with a 3.86 ERA and eight strikeouts with the Phillies before the injury. His rehab assignment at Lehigh Valley means the Phillies expect his return soon.

The rotation expected to carry the club during his time away has struggled. The Phillies' starting pitching carries a combined 5.68 ERA in the team’s 26 games, giving up 88 runs on 166 hits. Their combined ERA ranks 28th in MLB. 

The bigger picture looks just as bad, with the team sitting at 8-18 and fifth in the National League East after losing 10 straight games. The offense has struggled to put runs on the board, totaling just 92 this season, also ranking 28th in MLB. Wheeler’s return will not fix everything going wrong for the Phillies; however, with the team looking for a spark to turn things around, the timing could not be better.