Phillies Pitchers Return, Boosting Rotation

0:00On March 26, two Philly's pictures, side-mind by injuries, showed up at Citizens Bank Park for opening day, even though neither made the active. Roster. Zach Willer threw a bullpen session ahead of his first rehab start, while Orion Kirkering traveled north to keep building his workload. Willer kicks off his rehab assignment Saturday, with a triple A Lehigh Valley Ironpigs, targeting three innings or 50 pitches. That starts a 30-day clock, making him eligible to return around April 27th, right before a stretch of 22 games in 23 days. The timing lines up perfectly for easing him back with a temporary 6-man rotation, meanwhile, Kirkering plans to toss one inning in that same Saturday game. The 25-year-old reliever strained his right hamstring, but expects to rejoin the team when first eligible on April 10th, ahead of a homestand, against the Diamondbacks and Cubs. The Philly's were ramped Kirkering up like they do relievers in spring training, including

1:00back-to-back outings during Lehigh Valley's trip to Durham, aiming for seven or eight appearances total. His return means one, opening day bullpen arm, likely Kyle Bakus, Tim Miza, or Zach Poppel head out, giving the team needed flexibility. With Wheeler ahead of schedule from last September's surgery and Kirkering on track, the Philly staff looks primed to deepen their pitching options, just as the schedule heats up. That's your M.O.B News Today update, AI-powered and always on.