IronPigs to host a barbecue rib buffet in honor of Zack Wheeler (who had a rib removed) during his rehab start
Wheeler, whose rib is sitting in a closet at home, takes the mound Saturday in Allentown.
The saga of Zack Wheeler’s removed rib continues.
In February, Wheeler revealed to reporters in Clearwater that his first rib, which was removed to treat venous thoracic outlet syndrome, was hand-delivered to him by his doctor and is now sitting in his closet. Now, with the ace set to make a rehab start for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs this Saturday, the Phillies’ triple-A affiliate is fittingly hosting a “Rehab Ribs Night.”
If you don’t want to miss Wheeler, who is expected to pitch three innings, or the ribs, you may want to get there early. Fans can enter Allentown’s Coca-Cola Park at 3:15 p.m., with first pitch scheduled for 4:35. The ribs buffet is only open from 3:30-6 p.m. and will feature what the team is calling “a feast for the senses,” including macaroni and cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, and more.
Wheeler’s bout with thoracic outlet syndrome is not unheard of for pitchers because of their unnatural throwing motions. Saturday will mark Wheeler’s first game action since last season. The righty starter is progressing well and could return to the Phillies rotation in late April after making four rehab starts.
“Any athlete, you have surgery, you’re optimistic about it,” Wheeler said during spring training. “You always have that good mindset where you come back and be the same performer as you were.”
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This is far from the first theme night that generated some buzz for the IronPigs. Last year, for their annual “Salute to Philly” night, the team rebranded to the Lehigh Valley Tomato Pie. Uniforms from that night resembled the classic Philadelphia spin on pizza, equipped with a tomato red base and specks of white that resembled Parmesan cheese. Before that, the IronPigs had switched their names to the Cheesesteaks, the Jimmies, and the Mummers — to name a few.
Along with promoting Ribs Night, the team’s social media manager is evidently having a lot of fun with Wheeler getting the start in Allentown, where the high temperature is expected to be just north of 40 degrees on Saturday.