Phillies' Rob Thomson Shares Zack Wheeler Injury Update Before Diamondbacks Game

Wheeler threw a total of 61 pitches in that game, with his fastest pitch of the game recorded at 94.3 mph. Although Wheeler was given a timetable for his return, the team feels that he could make his return a bit sooner than expected.

Wheeler is expected to make his next rehab start on Tuesday for Double-A Reading. Thomson said that if the team feels that Wheeler needs one more rehab start before his eventual return, then he'll likely play for Double-A Reading again the next Sunday.

Thomson is expecting Wheeler to make his return soon but does not want to rush the right-handed pitcher in any way. "He still has time on the clock, so we'll take advantage of it," Thomson said (h/t Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation).

Before going down with an injury during the 2025 MLB season, Wheeler had recorded a 2.71 ERA. Wheeler's statistics during the season included 195 strikeouts and 48 runs allowed.

Wheeler had previously pitched for the New York Mets, the team that saw him make his debut. Despite playing in New York for five seasons in seven years, Wheeler never made a playoff appearance.

Wheeler has seen more success during his time with the Phillies since making his way to Philadelphia in 2020. During the six seasons he's played there, Wheeler has played in the postseason on three different occasions.

His most successful season came in 2022, when Wheeler was part of the roster that made it all the way to the World Series. Despite a strong effort, Wheeler and the Phillies would lose the championship series in six games to the Houston Astros.

The Phillies are currently sitting fourth in the NL East. The team will look to have Wheeler back on the roster to improve their chances of making the playoffs this season, as they missed out entirely on postseason baseball last year.