Wheeler to make season debut Saturday vs. Braves

Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler will make his season debut Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, according to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic.

Wheeler hasn't pitched in the majors since August. The three-time All-Star was originally sidelined following the removal a blood clot in his right arm, but follow-up exams revealed that he needed another procedure and would miss extended time. He then underwent shoulder surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome, which carried a recovery timetable of six-to-eight months.

Manager Rob Thomson doesn't believe Wheeler will face many restrictions after making multiple minor-league rehab starts.

"I see him as kind of a six-(inning), 90-(pitch) guy," Thomson said Tuesday, according to Matt Carlson of The Associated Press. "I think he's basically at the end of spring training."

Wheeler posted a 5.85 ERA with 1.20 WHIP and 10.4 K/9 over 20 innings in Double-A and Triple-A this season.

The 35-year-old should provide a boost to a Phillies club that's off to a disappointing 8-14 start.

"I think having Zack Wheeler on your 26-man roster makes you a better roster no matter what," Thomson added. "So, when he's healthy and pitching well, he's one of, if not the best pitcher in the National League."

Wheeler authored a 2.71 ERA with 0.94 WHIP and 195 strikeouts over 149 2/3 innings (24 starts) last year. He's finished as the NL Cy Young runner-up in 2024 and 2021.