TORONTO — Zack Wheeler was originally set to pitch Tuesday’s series opener against the Blue Jays, but his start has been postponed until the upcoming series against the Pirates, as he and his wife Dominique are expecting their fourth child soon.
Cristopher Sánchez will now start on Tuesday instead of Wednesday, while Mick Abel’s second major league start has been moved up to Wednesday. Jesús Luzardo remains on schedule to pitch Thursday on regular rest.
Wheeler is expected to go on the paternity list starting Tuesday. This move could make room for Abel to rejoin the big-league roster, though the Phillies might opt to temporarily call up another pitcher from the 40-man roster for Tuesday’s game and send him back down for Abel’s return on Wednesday.
Players can stay on the paternity list for up to three days. Wheeler is expected to return Friday to open the series in Pittsburgh, with Ranger Suárez set to pitch Saturday.
After four straight losses, the Phillies need more innings from their starters. Suárez has been the only one to go at least six innings during the recent homestand.
Luzardo, coming off the worst start of his career, will be making just his fourth appearance this season on regular rest. Sánchez has surpassed 90 pitches only once since being pulled early against the Mets on April 22. Abel will try to build on his dominant MLB debut on May 18, when he struck out nine Pirates over six scoreless innings. The Blue Jays lineup presents a tougher test.
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