Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has been placed on the injured list after a blood clot was found in his right upper extremity near the shoulder, according to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic. Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski informed reporters that Wheeler will undergo further testing, and the organization currently has no timeline for his return.
Possible Roster Adjustments Following Wheeler’s Injury
The Phillies have not made an official roster move related to Wheeler’s injury yet, though many expect Aaron Nola, another right-handed starter, to be activated for his scheduled start on Sunday. This could serve as Wheeler’s immediate replacement in the pitching rotation.
Wheeler’s Performance and Phillies’ Pitching Staff Context
Before his injury, the 35-year-old Wheeler pitched on Friday against the Washington Nationals. In that game, he allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over five innings, while striking out six batters out of 20 faced. Over 24 starts this season, Wheeler posted a 2.71 ERA and maintained a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 5.91. His efforts have contributed an estimated 5.3 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.
The Phillies recently adjusted their rotation to a six-pitcher setup with the return of Aaron Nola, who missed three months after spraining an ankle. Alongside Wheeler and Nola, the rotation includes Taijuan Walker, Ranger Suárez, Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesús Luzardo. Nola, prior to his inactivity, recorded a 6.16 ERA and a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio across nine starts, indicating he has not yet regained his usual form.
Phillies’ Current Season Standing and Impact of Wheeler’s Absence
The team suffered a 2-0 defeat on Saturday against the Nationals, dropping their record to 70-53. Despite the loss, the Phillies maintain a five-game lead over the New York Mets in the NL East standings, following the Mets’ win over the Seattle Mariners. Wheeler’s uncertain injury timeline poses challenges to the Phillies’ strong position as they navigate the stretch run of the season.