Zack Wheeler 2026 Debut: Phillies Face Braves

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April 25, 2026

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Zack Wheeler starts for the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday for the first time in 2026. Wheeler returns from thoracic outlet decompression surgery and rib removal, which ended his 2025 season before August finished.

Wheeler’s Return Gives Ailing Phillies a Lifeline Against MLB’s Best Team

Philadelphia enters Saturday’s game at 8-18, the worst record in Major League Baseball. The Phillies have lost 10 consecutive games before Wheeler takes the mound at Truist Park in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves are 18-8 with a plus-62 run differential, the best record and run differential in MLB. Atlanta beat Philadelphia 5-3 on Friday to open the three-game series.

Wheeler made five minor league rehab starts at Double-A and Triple-A before this debut. The Phillies expect Wheeler to work under a 90-pitch, six-inning cap for his first outing back. Philadelphia’s starting rotation holds a 5.37 ERA this season, 28th in Major League Baseball through four weeks of play.

Wheeler will oppose Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder on Saturday. Elder holds a 3-1 record and a 1.50 ERA in 2026. Wheeler last pitched in the major leagues in August 2025 before doctors discovered a blood clot near his right shoulder. Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet decompression surgery and had a rib removed in September 2025.