Zack Wheeler’s third rehab outing shows there’s still work to be done

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Apr 9, 2026 - 23:30
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Zack Wheeler’s third rehab outing shows there’s still work to be done
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 26: Zach Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies takes the field during the pre-game ceremony prior to the game between the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

One of their missing pieces to their roster, the Phillies saw Zack Wheeler make his third rehab start with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Wednesday evening. The results were better this time around, if that’s something that you’re looking at closely.

The real thing to watch with Wheeler is how the stuff is coming out post surgery and the results there were a little more encouraging.

Postgame, Wheeler talked about still feeling a “little bit off” a bit with everything that is going on in the process, which is understandable.

As much as we want Wheeler to come back looking like the Zack Wheeler we know and love this season, those expectations need to be throttled back. It’s probably to expect that the days of his hitting in the upper tier of 90’s with his velocity won’t happen this season, living in the range of 93-95 with his fastball. That’s certainly doable for him considering how good a command he has of everything else in his arsenal, so the next question comes back when to expect him.

We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, he’s healthy and making regular starts where he’s showing effectiveness. That’s awesome.

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