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Phillies make 2 announcements after getting Zack Wheeler back from IL
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- Phillies make 2 announcements after getting Zack Wheeler back from IL
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The Philadelphia Phillies made a series of roster moves Saturday, with the return of ace Zack Wheeler , as the team looks to reset during a difficult stretch.
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The Phillies reinstated Wheeler from the 15-day injured list after he completed a rehab assignment with Double-A Reading. The right-hander now rejoins the rotation and will start vs. the Atlanta Braves , providing a much-needed boost to a struggling pitching staff.
To clear space on the roster, the club optioned right-hander Alex McFarlane to Double-A Reading following his recent stint with the club. The move directly corresponds with Wheeler's activation and reflects a necessary adjustment to the pitching staff.
In addition, Philadelphia announced that right-hander Jonathan Bowlan will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley as he works his way back from a right groin strain. His progress could provide further reinforcement for the bullpen in the coming weeks.
The organization confirmed the transactions on X, formerly Twitter, outlining the sequence of moves ahead of Saturday's game.
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"The Phillies have returned RHP Zack Wheeler from his rehab assignment with Reading (AA) and reinstated him from the 15-day IL. To make room for Wheeler on the 26-man roster, RHP Alex McFarlane was optioned to Reading following last night's game. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Jonathan Bowlan will begin a rehab assignment tonight with Lehigh Valley."
Wheeler's return carries significant importance for Philadelphia, which enters Game 2 of its current three-game series against the Braves with an 8–18 record while riding a 10-game losing streak. The rotation continues to struggle to find consistency during this early part of the 2026 MLB season.
The Phillies hope the 12-year veteran can stabilize the staff immediately. He logged 20 innings during his rehab assignment, displaying strong strikeout ability despite some inconsistency. The Phillies will closely monitor his workload in his first start back.
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Philadelphia will also look for improved offensive support and cleaner defensive execution to complement Wheeler's return as the team attempts to halt its slide and regain early-season momentum.
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