Injury Update: Zack Wheeler could return to the Phillies rotation as early as next week
Zack Wheeler threw a 30-pitch bullpen session yesterday afternoon in Florida.
Wheeler was placed on the injured list retroactive to August 22nd due to tendinitis in his right forearm. At the time, he received an MRI which luckily showed no structural damage.
Roughly 10 days ago, the Phillies and Wheeler extended the timeline for his return after he continued to feel soreness in his right elbow.
According to reports and manager Rob Thomson, yesterday’s bullpen session was “encouraging”.
More from Rob Thomson via Jim Salisbury at NBC Sports Philadelphia:
Rob Thomson: Zack Wheeler Update
“It went well,” Thomson said. “He threw all his pitches. I don’t know any velocities or anything but it looked like it was coming out of his hand good. He worked from the stretch some. The location was good.”
There was no discomfort after the bullpen session which is a great sign. Wheeler will put his arm through more significant workouts on Friday in Atlanta with a more rigorous bullpen session, while adding a few pauses to simulate an inning break in between.
All things considered, the Phillies could have Wheeler back in the rotation when they return to home to Citizens Bank Park to face the Toronto Blue Jays next week.
If that’s the case, then Wheeler would be available to pitch two or three more times before the end of the season and be ready to start for the Fightins in game one of the post season. Wheeler has pitched great this year, racking up 11 wins with a 3.07 ERA and 148 strikeouts over 138 innings.
Nick Maton, Bailey Falter, and the Fightins took down the Fish and Sandy Alcantara 2-1 last night in Miami. Check out the full game recap here >>
