Phillies announce Zack Wheeler as opening starter for upcoming Atlanta series

The Phillies revealed the starting pitching plans for their upcoming National League East matchup in Atlanta after shaking up the pitching staff this weekend.

Right-hander Zack Wheeler will start the opening game of a three-game divisional set against the Braves on Tuesday night at Truist Park, Rob Thomson said Sunday morning. Aaron Nola will pitch on Wednesday, and Thursday’s starter is to be announced. The Braves have not yet listed probable starters for the series.

Tuesday had been scheduled to be rookie Tyler Phillips’ turn in the rotation, but the club optioned the right-hander to Triple-A on Saturday and selected the contract of left-handed reliever Tyler Gilbert. The Phillies’ off day on Monday will allow them to skip that spot and start both Wheeler and Nola on four days of rest in Atlanta.

Cristopher Sánchez will likely make the start on Thursday on regular rest, but Thomson wanted to see how the left-hander continues to feel after his 99-pitch complete game against the Nationals on Saturday. Sánchez threw his usual post-start long toss in the outfield at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday morning. Thomson mentioned a bullpen game as another possibility if Sánchez isn’t ready to go.

If Sánchez is able to make that start, it lines up Philadelphia’s three best healthy starters to take on the Braves with a chance to take a double-digit lead over their division rivals as the season heads into late August. At 73-50, the Phillies entered Sunday eight games ahead of Atlanta (65-58) in the NL East. A Phillies series win or sweep could create further separation and put the 64-59 Mets ahead of the Braves in the standings.

Left-hander Ranger Suárez (lower back) felt good after throwing a simulated game and bullpen session Saturday, Thomson said. He could return from the injured list during the Phillies’ three-game road series in Kansas City that begins this upcoming Friday if he’s still feeling healthy.

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