The Phillies, who are 8-14 and just swept by the Braves, will host Atlanta after a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs. Philadelphia’s plan for the weekend rotation has Painter on Friday, Wheeler on Saturday, and Aaron Nola on Sunday, a sequence that could solidify the staff after a rough start to the year. Manager Rob Thomson described Wheeler as a six-inning, around-90-pitch type of pitcher as he returns.
ESPN Sports Services noted that Wheeler completed a five-game minor league rehab stint, throwing 77 pitches for Double-A Reading and appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, before rejoining the Phillies in Chicago. Thomson echoed that Wheeler should be near the end of spring training conditioning, with few restrictions expected in his first start back.
Statistically, Wheeler has been one of the Phillies’ top arms since joining the team. In 24 starts during the 2025 season, he posted a 2.71 ERA with 195 strikeouts. Since arriving in Philadelphia, he has 157 starts and a 2.91 ERA, following a 2024 campaign in which he went 2.57 with 224 Ks across 200 innings and finished a close second in NL Cy Young balloting.
With Wheeler back in the mix, Philadelphia aims to stabilize a rotation that also features Christopher Sánchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Nola, potentially signaling the departure of Taijuan Walker. The return sets the Phillies up to pursue their division goals as they move deeper into the season against the Braves and National League East rivals.
