According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber, Thomson explained the next step in Wheeler’s rehab. “Zack Wheeler will continue his minor-league assignment with a start Tuesday — and possibly again next Sunday — for Double-A Reading on the road in Somerset, N.J.,” Thomson said.

Wheeler, who has been recovering from thoracic outlet surgery after dealing with a blood clot in his shoulder, has already made three rehab starts at Triple-A. He has thrown 10.1 innings with 10 strikeouts, four walks, and a 5.23 ERA, showing progress but also indicating that he still needs time to build strength and consistency, with Wheeler’s latest Triple-A outing potentially offering another strong sign for the Phillies.

Phillies taking a patient approach with Wheeler

The organization is not rushing its ace back to the mound. Missing the entire offseason and spring training means Wheeler still needs to regain full arm strength before returning to the Major League rotation.

Thomson’s update makes it clear that multiple rehab outings are part of the process, not a final step. The focus remains on making sure Wheeler is fully ready, rather than accelerating his timeline and risking a setback.

Rotation impact and what comes next

Wheeler’s absence has been noticeable for Philadelphia. The rotation has struggled at times early in the season, and replacing a pitcher of his caliber has proven difficult.

Before his injury, Wheeler was one of the most reliable arms in baseball and a consistent Cy Young contender. His return would provide a major boost, but for now, the Phillies will continue to rely on their current group while following a cautious and detailed recovery plan for their ace.

“The entire team tonight, a ton of swing and miss, that was our kind of bug. We started off hot, I thought the first inning was really good,” Thomson said following the 5-4 loss, in comments shared by Luke Arcaini on X.

Early in the game, the first four hitters in the lineup delivered, combining to go 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI to give the Phillies an early lead. But after that, the offense went quiet. Over their next 19 at-bats, they managed just two hits, and despite a solid effort from the pitching staff, they couldn’t hold off Arizona.

The season is still alive for the Phillies

Despite Thomson’s blunt criticism after a tough home loss, the Phillies still have plenty of time to climb in the NL East. They currently sit at 6-7, trailing the New York Mets, who are also dealing with early-season struggles from Carson Benge.

As a bit of perspective, Jeff Kerr shared encouraging numbers on X: “The Phillies were 4-9 through 13 games in 2023, they won 90 games and made the NLCS. The Phillies were 5-8 through 13 games in 2022, they went to the World Series.”

So far in the 2026 season, Philadelphia has won just one home series. They dropped another to the Texas Rangers and are now off to a rough start against the Diamondbacks after splitting six games on the road, where they had hoped to build momentum heading back home.

In that appearance, Wheeler allowed just one earned run, issued one walk, and struck out six batters, reinforcing that his effectiveness on the mound hasn’t dropped off. One of his fastballs even reached 93.8 MPH, another encouraging sign.

Wheeler hasn’t pitched in the majors since last season, with his most recent outing coming on August 15. In that game, he allowed two earned runs, one home run, and four hits while striking out six over 5.0 innings. Just days ago, he said he hopes to return to the MLB with the Phillies.

Wheeler’s return could boost Phillies rotation

Without Wheeler, the Phillies’ current rotation is led by Cristopher Sanchez, who has a 1.65 ERA over 16.1 innings in three starts. Aaron Nola follows with a 3.63 ERA. If Wheeler returns, manager Rob Thomson will need to find a way to fit him into the rotation.

“I’m still a little bit off, that’s why you take these starts so you can tinker here and there but not too much… there’s nothing more I can do but get those reps in,” Wheeler said on April 8, when asked by Cory Nidoh about how close he is to returning.

The Phillies have had their share of struggles on the mound, but getting their veteran ace back could provide stability, especially as the team sits at 6-6 and in fourth place in the NL East as of April 10.

According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, “JT Realmuto said he hopes to play Friday, but he will get more treatment on Thursday in Philadelphia. He said when he got hit by a foul ball on Tuesday, he thought he might have broken his foot. Told Rafael Marchan to get ready, but Realmuto finished the inning.”

Although the initial concern was serious, the outcome appears far more positive. Realmuto sat out Wednesday’s game as a precaution, but early indications suggest he avoided a major injury and long‑term absence and could return sooner than expected.

Early reaction shows risk of the position

Realmuto’s immediate concern highlights the physical demands of catching, where even routine plays can quickly become injury scares. His decision to finish the inning despite fearing a fracture reflects both experience and toughness in a high-impact role.

Philadelphia turned to Rafael Marchan in his absence, emphasizing the importance of depth behind the plate. Still, Realmuto’s presence remains difficult to replace, especially given his leadership and defensive value.

Return timeline offers optimism for Phillies

The possibility of a return as soon as Friday provides a positive outlook for the Phillies. With continued treatment and evaluation, the team appears focused on balancing caution with the need to keep one of its key players available.

Realmuto’s early-season production has been steady, and his role remains central to the team’s plans. Avoiding a serious injury allows Philadelphia to maintain stability as they look to stay competitive in the National League.

“I think we have a good track record of playing really good baseball,” Realmuto said according to MLB.com. “Obviously, right now that’s not what we’re doing, but we know that we’re just one good swing away from the whole team taking off… there’s nobody in this room panicking.”

The concern, however, is real outside the clubhouse. The Phillies sit at 6-6 and rank near the bottom of the league in runs scored, with just 42 through their first 12 games. Their recent struggles, including a quiet series at Oracle Park, have only added to questions about the lineup’s consistency.

Offensive struggles raise questions early

Philadelphia has scored two or fewer runs in most of its recent games and managed just a handful of hits in the final games against San Francisco. Even players like Bryce Harper acknowledged the team needs better at-bats and improved discipline at the plate.

Manager Rob Thomson pointed to frustration as a key factor, noting that players may be trying to do too much instead of sticking to their approach. That urgency has led to chasing pitches and missed opportunities in key moments.

Confidence remains despite slow start

Still, the tone inside the clubhouse remains focused and confident. Realmuto’s comments reflect a group that believes its track record will eventually show again over the course of a long season.

With potential lineup adjustments ahead and a return home on the schedule, the Phillies are looking for a reset. The expectation is not panic, but execution, trusting that one moment can shift the rhythm and get the offense back on track.

According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, “Realmuto’s X-rays came back negative after he was hit by a foul ball in the first inning,” offering immediate relief for both the organization and its fan base.

The update suggests that Realmuto will avoid a long-term absence, which is a key development for a Phillies team with postseason aspirations. While he is expected to rest, the early diagnosis points to a best-case scenario after what initially looked like a potentially serious setback.

Phillies avoid major setback behind the plate

Realmuto’s presence remains critical, even as he enters the later stages of his career. The 35-year-old continues to provide stability both offensively and defensively, and his experience behind the plate is a major asset for Philadelphia’s pitching staff, much like the veteran insight Bryce Harper explained on how his swing came together in big win at Oracle Park.

Without him, the Phillies’ offense showed signs of struggle, managing limited production in the same game he exited. His absence, even in the short term, highlights how much the team relies on his leadership and consistency.

Managing workload remains key moving forward

Health has been a concern for Realmuto in recent seasons, especially after knee surgery in 2024 and the heavy workload that comes with his position. While this latest injury appears to be minor, it reinforces the importance of managing his playing time throughout the season.

With solid early-season numbers and continued impact on both sides of the ball, Realmuto remains a key piece for the Phillies. Avoiding a serious injury allows the team to stay focused on its larger goal, remaining competitive in a demanding National League race.

“I feel like it’s been good,” Harper said, according to MLB.com. “I feel good. I’ve just got to keep plugging away and keep having good at-bats.”

Harper went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBIs, and a walk. He started with a two-out double in the first inning, scored on a double off the right-field wall in the fifth, and tied the game with a two-run single in the seventh. This helped Philadelphia win their first series-opening game in San Francisco since 2014.

Harper’s approach at the plate

Harper began the season slowly, batting just .139 in his first nine games. Manager Rob Thomson said the team never doubted him. “I don’t think he really worries about that. He knows he’s going to hit. We know he’s going to hit,” Thomson said.

Philadelphia has also made small roster moves to reinforce depth early in the season, as the Phillies added Sergio Alcantara for infield depth after he became available

Monday was Harper’s first three-hit game since last August and his first three-RBI game since then. He also showed better discipline at the plate, seeing six pitches outside the strike zone without swinging at any.

Comfort at Oracle Park and team context

Harper has struggled at Oracle Park in the past, hitting just .182 with a .610 OPS in his first 37 games there. But in his last two visits, he’s gone 7-for-10 with five doubles and a home run. “Every time I come here, I feel very confident in my ability to play well,” Harper said.

Rookie Andrew Painter kept the Phillies in the game despite giving up four runs in four innings. Harper’s timely hitting made the difference, helping Philadelphia overcome early pitching struggles and proving he’s still one of baseball’s top hitters.

A report from Destiny Lugardo clarified the situation on X (@destiny_lugardo): “From Rob Thomson pregame yesterday: Brandon Marsh might start in CF today. He wants to give Justin Crawford a day off.”

The reaction wasn’t positive. The update came hours before the first game of the Phillies’ second series, and many questioned why Crawford would be rested just three games into the season, especially while hitting .333.

Is Brandon Marsh the right replacement?

So far, Brandon Marsh has the numbers to step in in the center field when his teammate is resting. He entered the game hitting .333 as well, with three hits in nine at-bats essentially mirroring Crawford’s early production.

“You do realize he’s 22 years old right?? w— is wrong with this manager. 3 days into the season and someone needs a break. As a 22 year old, he should have more energy than half the players on that team,” wrote Mario Sciarrino on X (@sciarrinomario).

Crawford could still be in for a big year

According to projections from RotoChamp, which compiles multiple forecasting models, Crawford is expected to hit above .270 average during this MLB season, his first at the major league level after spending 4 seasons in the minor league system.

The Phillies may have a breakout talent on their hands. At just 22 years old, projections suggest close to 10 home runs across 425+ at-bats, along with 50+ RBIs, and in some models, fewer than 100 strikeouts.

Alcantara has appeared in major league games in four of the past six seasons, totaling 193 contests with stints for the Cubs, Padres, Diamondbacks, and Nationals.

While his career .618 OPS indicates limited offensive output, his ability to play multiple infield positions makes him a valuable organizational piece, particularly at the Triple-A level.

Depth move behind Phillies’ MLB infield

With Trea Turner, Bryson Stott, Edmundo Sosa, and Alec Bohm occupying the major league roster, Alcantara’s role is primarily to support the farm system and provide coverage in case of unexpected injuries. His defensive reliability and experience give the Phillies confidence that they can maintain stability at multiple positions should any of their starters miss time.

Fresh opportunity after Nationals exit

After being designated for assignment several times in recent years, Alcantara now has a fresh start with a team willing to utilize his versatility. While a major league call-up may not happen immediately, his presence strengthens Philadelphia’s infield depth and ensures the organization is prepared for the long MLB season.

According to MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams, “It’s only natural to see Philadelphia bring in some familiar outfield depth,” as the team looks to stabilize its roster following Rojas’ absence.

Mercado spent most of last season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he hit .249 with 11 home runs and 40 stolen bases. While he may not be expected to play a major role immediately, his experience provides insurance for a team now dealing with reduced outfield options.

Phillies prioritize depth with young options in play

Philadelphia is expected to open the season with top prospect Justin Crawford in center field. However, the 22-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut and posted modest numbers this spring, increasing the need for reliable depth behind him.

Veteran presence offers flexibility moving forward

Mercado’s return is less about immediate impact and more about roster flexibility. With experience in the majors and strong minor league production, he provides a low-risk option for a team adjusting to Rojas’ suspension.

As the season unfolds, the Phillies will rely on both youth and depth to navigate the outfield situation, with Mercado serving as a potential fallback option.

“We like what he did. We just looked at the 26th spot, right now he wasn’t going to get a lot of playing time. So we thought he would be better off going and keeping playing and being in a spot in case he’s needed…” Dombrowski told Phillies.com.

De La Cruz impressed during spring training, exactly as Dombrowski noted. In 16 games, he posted a .333 batting average with 15 hits, 5 RBIs, one home run, and was struck out just 12 times in 5 at-bats, strong numbers for a five-year MLB veteran.

What’s next for De La Cruz?

De La Cruz will start the season in Triple-A with Lehigh Valley, staying ready while waiting for a call-up to the Phillies or the chance to explore other opportunities. Over the coming weeks, his path will become clearer.

Even in the minors, De La Cruz remains a versatile option. He can cover any outfield position if needed, and his experience playing infield adds extra flexibility for the future if the Phillies need someone there but that’s a special situation.

He wasn’t the only player sent to Triple-A. Two other Dominican players, INF Liover Peguero and RHP Jonathan Hernández, will also start in the minors after less impressive spring training performances, a .140 batting average and 10.13 ERA, respectively.