Top star was originally slated to start series opener, but his outing has been postponed as he and his wife, Dominique, are expecting the birth of their fourth child. He is expected to be placed on the paternity list.
In his place, top veteran will now take the mound, moving up from his previously scheduled. Mick Abel, who impressed in his major league debut on May 18, will have his second MLB start bumped up to Wednesday instead of Thursday. Jesús Luzardo remains on schedule and will pitch Thursday on normal rest.
Wheeler’s placement on the paternity list could create the roster opening needed to recall Abel. However, the Phillies also have the option to temporarily bring up another pitcher from the 40-man roster for Tuesday’s game and then swap him for Abel on Wednesday.
MLB rules allow a player to stay on the paternity list for a maximum of three days, which positions Wheeler to return in time for Friday’s series opener against the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Ranger Suárez would then follow on Saturday.
Coming off a four-game losing streak, the Phillies are in need of solid innings from their rotation. Suárez has been the lone starter to complete six innings during their recent homestand. Luzardo, who’s looking to bounce back from the worst outing of his career, will be making just his fourth start of the season on regular rest. Sánchez, meanwhile, has thrown over 90 pitches only once since his early exit on April 22. Abel, who struck out nine over six shutout innings in his debut against Pittsburgh, will face a stiffer test against the Blue Jays lineup.