Phillies Face Good Problem of Having Too Many Quality Starting Pitchers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Philadelphia Phillies rookie starting pitcher Mick Abel looks like the next big thing.

Truth is, the Phillies, despite winning, need to be better. They may have won the National League pennant in 2022, reached the NL Championship Series in 2023 and won their first East Division title since 2011 last year. But none of that will happen again if improvements don’t occur.

Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola is already on the injured list but won’t be returning soon. Per Matt Gelb of The Athletic, a recent MRI revealed a stress reaction in his right rib cage. He won’t throw for the next two weeks.

But the 26-year-old starred in the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader, hitting a two-run homer for an early lead along with a walk that led to another run and the go-ahead hit-by-pitch — on top of throwing out two would-be stealers, including Ozzie Albies in the ninth.

Zack Wheeler embraced another chance to square off with Chris Sale. The first meeting between the top-two finishers in last year's NL Cy Young Award race didn't quite live up to expectations. Each ace

The Philadelphia Phillies came into the 2025 MLB regular season with a highly regarded starting rotation. Zack Wheeler has been his usual elite self.