Image credit: ClutchPoints

Zack Wheeler’s Phillies rehab plan gets Rob Thomson update

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 7:31 PM ET

As Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has been going through his injury recovery, as he’s dealing with venous thoracic outlet syndrome after a blood clot was found in his shoulder, there’s been a plan in place by manager Rob Thomson. With Thomson providing updates about the Phillies star in Wheeler, the latest news is a positive one as Wheeler could be on his way to a return soon.

According to Tim Kelly, Wheeler is scheduled for another minor league start on Tuesday, where he will be monitored on his usage. He’s also set for another Double-A start on Sunday.

“Zack Wheeler will pitch for Double-A Reading Tuesday. Five or six innings, 80-85 pitches. He’s scheduled to pitch again for Reading on Sunday, although that’s not etched in stone,” Kelly wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Zack Wheeler will pitch for Double-A Reading Tuesday. Five or six innings, 80-85 pitches. He’s scheduled to pitch again for Reading on Sunday, although that’s not etched in stone. @OnPattison pic.twitter.com/lpgJLlzucY

— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) April 10, 2026

The reason for this kind of rehab plan is not to rush Wheeler to pitch at the major league level, but it’s also, in some ways, a kind of spring training simulation that Wheeler couldn’t get.

“So that’d be almost like a normal sprint for him. He doesn’t have to have it, but he still has time on the clock, so we’ll take advantage of it,” Thomson said, via Kelly.

At any rate, there’s no denying the impact Wheeler could have for Philadelphia and the pitching staff as he’s coming off a 2025 season where he recorded a 2.71 ERA to go along with 295 strikeouts and a 10-5 record. However, when it comes to the Phillies, the team is focused on turning around from their early offensive struggles.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: