Wheeler notches 6 K's in third rehab start as pitch count continues to build
This browser does not support the video element.
SAN FRANCISCO – Zack Wheeler made his third rehab start on Wednesday night in Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
He will make at least one more.
Wheeler allowed three hits, one run and one walk while throwing 61 pitches in 4 1/3 innings vs. Rochester. He struck out six. Wheeler’s four-seam fastball averaged 92.9 mph and touched 94.3 mph. It averaged 96.1 mph last season with the Phillies before his season ended in August because of a blood clot near his right shoulder.
In his second rehab start on Friday night, Wheeler averaged 92.7 mph and topped out at 93.9 mph while throwing 49 pitches over three innings vs. Toledo. In his first outing on March 28, his four-seamer topped out at 94.3 mph and averaged 93.3 mph while tossing 38 pitches over three frames at Durham.
This browser does not support the video element.
Wheeler had thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September. He has been working his way back ever since.
Wheeler lost 10 pounds in his recovery from the surgery, which he hasn’t been able to put back on. It might explain why Wheeler’s velocity hasn’t come back yet, although the Phillies say Wheeler feels OK and they aren’t concerned.