Overview
- Wheeler is scheduled for one more outing with Double-A Reading, and if it goes well he could rejoin the Phillies’ rotation next weekend in Atlanta.
- The team is checking his velocity, command and stamina as he completes a comeback from venous thoracic outlet surgery after a 2025 blood clot.
- Taijuan Walker is at risk of losing his rotation spot when Wheeler returns, with reporting pointing to a bullpen move under consideration.
- Walker has struggled in early 2026, allowing 19 earned runs and six home runs in 18.2 innings for an ERA above 9.00.
- Philadelphia’s rotation has been uneven to start 2026, which heightens the impact of Wheeler’s strong pre-injury form in 2025 when he posted a 2.71 ERA and a career-high strikeout rate, while outside trade ideas involving Walker remain speculative.