Zack Wheeler makes first start for Lehigh Valley, talks ‘Rehab Ribs Night’ promo

Zack Wheeler made a rehab start on Saturday. (Madeline Ressler/PhilliesNation)

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — With a barbecue rib buffet behind him in the left-field stands, Zack Wheeler officially started the clock to count down to his big-league return. The ace Phillies pitcher, sidelined since last August and missing a rib due to the surgery he underwent to correct his thoracic outlet syndrome, began a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday afternoon.

And the IronPigs...