Wheeler didn't factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts across seven scoreless innings against Minnesota.
Wheeler was removed from his July 9 start with back spasms and missed a turn in the rotation due to the issue. He took the mound Tuesday for the first time since and didn't skip a beat. Wheeler struck out seven batters for a third consecutive start and garnered his 15th quality start of the year. The 34-year-old has a 2.55 ERA and 0.98 WHIP to pair with a 133:37 K:BB across 123.3 innings this season. He lines up to face the Yankees early next week.
Wheeler (back) is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Twins at Target Field.
Just as manager Rob Thomson had suggested would be the case heading into the All-Star break, Wheeler won't have to miss another turn through the rotation and will get the ball for the Phillies' fifth game of the second half. Wheeler was unable to make a start last weekend against the Athletics while he contended with back spasms, but after getting extended rest over the All-Star break, he looks to be healthy again. The right-hander has met expectations for fantasy managers who invested an early-round pick, as he'll head into Tuesday's outing with a 10-4 record, 2.70 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 126 strikeouts in 116.2 innings over 19 starts.
Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Returning for Minnesota series
Rotowire
Wheeler (back) played catch in the outfield Sunday and is expected to make his next start for the Phillies on July 22 or 23 versus the Twins in Minnesota, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
A bout with back spasms caused Wheeler to miss out on a start in the Phillies' final game before the All-Star break Sunday versus the Athletics, and it'll also prevent from making his second appearance in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday. However, the back issue wasn't significant enough to force Wheeler to the injured list, and if he continues to remain free of setbacks in his throwing sessions over the next week, he should be ready to take the hill July 22 or 23 without any restrictions. With a 10-4 record, 2.70 ERA and 0.99 WHIP through 116.2 innings over his 16 outings on the season, Wheeler had been a leading candidate to start for the National League in the All-Star Game, but those duties will now fall to Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes.
Wheeler (back) won't make his scheduled start Sunday against the Athletics, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
The 34-year-old had an MRI on his back come back negative after he experienced lower-back tightness during Tuesday's start, but Philadelphia will play it safe and skip the right-hander's final outing before the All-Star break. Wheeler is expected to be ready to go to begin the second half, though it's unclear whether he'll be tabbed to start during the opening series in Pittsburgh next weekend.
Phillies' Zack Wheeler: MRI negative, iffy for Sunday
Rotowire
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Wednesday that Wheeler (back) isn't certain to make his next start Sunday against the Athletics, though an MRI on the right-hander's back revealed no structural damage, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. "We're going to be very cautious with him... We'll know [Thursday]," Thomson said, when asked about Wheeler's status for Sunday.
Wheeler was pulled after five innings in his start during Tuesday's 10-1 win over the Dodgers due to left lower-back tightness. Though Thomson admitted that Wheeler is still feeling sore, the 34-year-old looks to have avoided a significant injury. Even so, with the All-Star break looming, the Phillies could have Wheeler skip his next turn so that he can benefit from some extended time to heal up from the back issue. The team should provide more clarity on its plans for Wheeler after reassessing his condition Thursday.
