Zack Wheeler goes deeper into game in fourth minor-league start. What’s next for rehabbing ace?
PHILADELPHIA — While the Phillies played the second of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park, their veteran ace made the trip about 80 miles northeast to Somerset, N.J., for his fourth minor-league rehab start. Right-hander Zack Wheeler, working his way back from thoracic outlet syndrome, entered the sixth inning for the first time this year in his outing for Double-A Reading.
Wheeler was charged with three runs in 5 2/3 innings in a 9-6 Fightins loss to the Somerset Patriots on Monday night at TD Bank Ballpark. He allowed four hits, struck out nine batters and walked none in 72 pitches (49 for strikes). After five scoreless innings, he gave up an RBI double in the bottom of the sixth, and two inherited runners he left on base scored once he was removed. Wheeler’s fastball ranged from about 92.5 mph to 95 mph, according to a minor-league source in attendance.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Monday that Wheeler will make at least one more rehab start for Reading on Sunday. After that, he could potentially make one more appearance before the time is up on his rehab stint. Or maybe he’ll be ready to rejoin the major-league rotation without it. It will depend on how he pitches and feels in his fifth minor-league start.
If Wheeler needs to make a sixth start in the minors, it would make sense for it to happen with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He made his first three starts with the IronPigs, but they are on the road against the St. Paul Saints this week. The club returns home to Coca-Cola Park next week.
Between Double-A and Triple-A, Wheeler has surrendered nine earned runs in 16 total innings. He’s recorded 19 strikeouts. The Phillies will look for him to keep building his pitch count in his next start and possibly continue to fine tune his stuff if he makes another. The latest his rehab assignment can go is April 26, barring any setback.
Transaction news
The Phillies optioned reliever Seth Johnson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday after just one day back up in the big leagues. They promoted right-hander Chase Shugart to the roster.
Johnson allowed five runs (three earned) in 1 2/3 innings on Monday. Shugart pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen on Tuesday.