Overview
- Zack Wheeler is slated to pitch Tuesday for Double-A Reading at Somerset for five to six innings on an 80–85 pitch plan, with another Reading start Sunday on the table.
- Wheeler’s third rehab outing on Wednesday produced 4 1/3 innings and 61 pitches with one run allowed and a top fastball at 94.3 mph.
- His heater is running about 3 mph below last season’s average of 96.1 mph, a level the staff expects to climb as arm strength and game adrenaline build.
- The Phillies can use up to 30 days for the assignment and could activate Wheeler as soon as next Sunday or hold him for the April 24–26 series in Atlanta.
- Team plans point to Wheeler likely replacing Taijuan Walker in the rotation with Walker shifting to a multi-inning relief role, and J.T. Realmuto returned Friday after a foul tip to the right foot.