FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' Zack Wheeler works out during spring training baseball Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum,File)

CHICAGO — Philadelphia ace right-hander Zack Wheeler, out since last August because of a blood clot found near his right shoulder and thoracic outlet surgery, will return to the struggling Phillies rotation on Saturday in Atlanta, manager Rob Thomson said Tuesday.

A three-time All-Star, the 35-year-old Wheeler last pitched on Aug. 15, 2025, at Washington, exiting after five innings.

Wheeler finished his sixth season with the Phillies at 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA through 149ª innings and 24 starts. He’s 113-75 with a 3.28 ERA for his career over 11 seasons with Philadelphia and the New York Mets.

Wheeler completed a five-game minor league rehab stint Sunday when he threw 77 pitches for Double-A Reading. The righty also pitched for Triple-A Lehigh Valley during the assignment.

Thomson didn’t think Wheeler, who rejoined the Phillies in Chicago, would face significant restrictions against the Braves.

Wheeler’s return could provide a much-needed boost to the Phillies, who entered Tuesday on a six-game slide that dropped them to 8-14.

Help for the Mets

NEW YORK — Juan Soto is expected to come off the injured list Wednesday for the struggling New York Mets, who entered Tuesday having lost 11 straight games — their longest skid since 2004.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said Soto, who participated in baseball activities before Tuesday’s series opener against the Minnesota Twins, will alternate between designated hitter and left field in his first two games.

“We’re not going to play him back-to-back 18 innings, at least on the field,” Mendoza said. “He’s going to need days off as well. But hopefully (Wednesday) is the beginning of it with him in the lineup.”

Soto, in the second year of a 15-year, $765 million deal, hit .355 with one homer and five RBIs in eight games before suffering a left quad strain while going from first to third on a hit by Bo Bichette against the San Francisco Giants on April 3.

The Mets won their first three games without Soto. But they have been outscored 62-19 while batting .200 during the losing streak.

New York, which last lost 11 in a row from Aug. 28-Sept, 8, 2004, has been blanked three times during the skid and was held to two runs or fewer six other times.

Braves lose closer

WASHINGTON — The Atlanta Braves put reliever Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day injured list because of right shoulder inflammation. Manager Walt Weiss says he doesn’t expect a long absence for the 36-year-old closer.

Iglesias has thrown 8ª scoreless innings so far this year with five saves for the NL East-leading Braves.

Atlanta recalled left-hander Dylan Dodd to take his spot on the roster. Robert Suarez, who had 40 saves last season for San Diego, is a candidate to close for Atlanta while Iglesias is out.

Gray on IL

BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox placed right-hander Sonny Gray on the 15-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.

The team recalled lefty Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester to replace him on the roster.

Gray lasted just 2ª innings against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, giving up one run on three hits before experiencing discomfort in his right leg.

Samaniego, a one-time Altoona Curve pitcher, made his major league debut on April 8 against the Brewers.