Phillies Reveal Updated Starting Rotation for Blue Jays Series
Zack Wheeler’s next outing will be delayed. (Photo: Madeline Ressler/Phillies Nation)
TORONTO — Zack Wheeler was originally set to start Tuesday’s series opener in Toronto against the Blue Jays. However, the Phillies have decided to push his next start to the Pirates series, as his wife Dominique is expecting their fourth child.
As a result of the change, Cristopher Sánchez will take the mound Tuesday, moving up from his previously scheduled Wednesday start. Mick Abel, making his second career big league appearance, will now pitch Wednesday instead of Thursday. Jesús Luzardo will stay on his regular schedule and pitch Thursday.
Wheeler is expected to be placed on the paternity list starting Tuesday. This move could clear the way for Abel to rejoin the major league roster, although the Phillies might opt to briefly call up another pitcher from the 40-man roster for Tuesday, then make room for Abel on Wednesday.
MLB rules allow players to remain on the paternity list for up to three days. Wheeler is expected to return Friday to pitch the series opener in Pittsburgh. Ranger Suárez would then be lined up to start Saturday.
The Phillies, currently in a four-game skid, need more innings from their starters. Suárez has been the only pitcher to complete six innings during the recent homestand, doing so in both of his starts.
Luzardo will try to rebound from the worst start of his career in his upcoming outing, which will be just his fourth of the season on regular rest. Sánchez has topped 90 pitches in only one start since being pulled early on April 22 against the Mets. Abel, who impressed in his debut on May 18 with nine strikeouts over six shutout innings versus the Pirates, will face a tougher opponent in the Blue Jays.
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