The Philadelphia Phillies are heading to Canada to begin a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. The upcoming series comes after the Phillies were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers last weekend and they’ll look to make up ground after falling out of first place in the National League East division.
While we’re still not at the midway point of the season, banking wins will be important as Philadelphia looks to be in the pennant race at the end of the year. The Phillies just learned they will be without one of their key starters for the series in Toronto and while being shorthanded isn't ideal, it will be for a good reason.
Phillies’ Zack Wheeler to Miss Blue Jays Series Due to Birth of Child
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler won’t start for the team during the Blue Jays series as he awaits the birth of his first child. Wheeler was previously slated to start Tuesday’s opener against Toronto, but he’ll stay in Philadelphia as his wife prepares to give birth.
Phillies are adjusting their rotation at Toronto this week; they’re skipping Zack Wheeler for now because his wife is due any day. This is what they’ll do:
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) June 2, 2025
Tuesday - Sánchez
Wednesday - Abel
Thursday - Luzardo
Losing Wheeler is a bit of a blow as the right-hander has gone 6-2 with a 2.96 ERA in a National League-leading 76 innings this season. Fortunately, the Phillies have the depth to make up for it in the coming days.
Christopher Sánchez will start Tuesday’s game against the Blue Jays while Mick Abel will go on Wednesday and Jesús Luzardo will start on Thursday. Toronto will counter with Bowden Francis on Tuesday while José Berríos and Chris Bassitt will get the starts on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Blue Jays enter this week’s series with a 31-28 record and 5.5 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the American League East. Without one of their top starters, the Phillies will be tested going up against a postseason contender this week.