CLEARWATER, Fla. — Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler didn’t just lead his team in innings pitched last season, he led the majors in innings pitched, with 213⅓. His performance over that span nearly won him the Cy Young Award: three complete games, two shutouts, a 2.78 ERA and 247 strikeouts.
The Phillies would love for Wheeler to replicate that season, but they aren’t looking to rush him. According to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, Wheeler, who is a historically slow starter, is a little behind. In a media availability on Sunday, Dombrowski said he would expect Wheeler to be the Phillies’ opening-day starter, but it’s possible he won’t be ready.
“He’s not off the mound yet, but he’s ready to get off the mound here very soon,” Dombrowski said. “Hopefully he’s still ready for the beginning of the season. Apparently, he is always slow to get ready for the season. That’s just how he is. I haven’t seen him personally, but the medical reports say that everything is fine from a health perspective.
