What Zack Wheeler's Return Means for Fantasy Baseball Managers
Zack Wheeler is scheduled for his 2026 season debut, starting for the Phillies on Saturday, April 22.
Feb 19, 2026; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) poses for media day. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images The Philadelphia Phillies are eager to get back their ace, Zack Wheeler. While it could be argued that Wheeler is no longer their ace, he remains a premier pitcher, and the team needs him back.
Why? The Phillies enter Thursday night on a seven-game losing streak. According to manager Rob Thompson, Wheeler is "basically at the end of spring training.
" The hope is that Wheeler can return to fantasy baseball excellence for those who have invested in him. The unfortunate news comes from the Phillies manager. He states Wheeler lacks his fastball velocity from states old, perhaps expecting us to see a dip from his 96 MPH average to the 93-95 MPH range.
Per Thompson , "I'm expecting on a normal day, weather-wise, that he's gonna have his command. " Wheeler will make his season debut this upcoming Saturday, April 24, against the Braves in Atlanta. Fantasy Baseball Impact Wheeler is absolutely a pitcher that must be owned in fantasy baseball.