Aug 1, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler smiles as he walks in from the outfield at Citizens Bank Park. (Grace Del Pizzo/On Pattison)
The Phillies will try to snap a six-game losing streak Tuesday in Chicago. Here are a few pregame nuggets ahead of the second tilt in a four-game set at Wrigley Field against the Cubs.
Three-time All-Star Zack Wheeler is going to make his season debut Saturday at Truist Park against the Atlanta Braves. Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic was among those in Chicago to note this Tuesday, adding that Andrew Painter will pitch the series opener against the Braves Friday, with Aaron Nola going on Sunday.
Wheeler — who is returning from thoracic outlet decompression surgery — posted a 5.85 ERA in five rehab outings split between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The Phillies announced Tuesday afternoon that they have recalled RHP Alan Rangel from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. RHP Seth Johnson was optioned back to the IronPigs to make room for him on the 26-man roster.
Rangel was 2-1 with a 1.66 ERA across 21 2/3 innings spanning four starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season. A year ago, Rangel posted a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings as a long reliever for the Phillies.
As the Phillies continue to search for production out of their cleanup spot, Felix Reyes will get the next opportunity against LHP Shota Imanaga Tuesday:
Turner 6
Schwarber DH
Harper 3
Reyes 7
García 9
Realmuto 2
Bohm 5
Marsh 8
Sosa 4
Luzardo LHP
This was a great note from MLB.com's Paul Casella on how rare it is for a player to be hitting cleanup in their second career game:
Felix Reyes is the 3rd Phillie in last 60 years to hit cleanup within his first 2 career games. All others:
Darick Hall, 2022
Rhys Hoskins, '17
Harry Anderson, 1957
LeGrant Scott, 1939
Chuck Klein, 1928
George Durning, 1925
Charlie Johnson, 1908
John Titus, 1903
Nap Lajoie, 1898 https://t.co/vqXm6RzW1L
Hey, nothing to lose, right?
