Zack Wheeler is sending a clear message to the National League: the ace is almost back. In his fourth minor league rehab start on Tuesday night, the Philadelphia Phillies' star pitcher delivered his most dominant performance yet, a promising sign for a rotation that has desperately missed his presence.

Taking the mound for the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils, Wheeler showcased the form that has made him a perennial Cy Young contender. Over a season-high 5.2 innings, he struck out nine batters, including Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe, who was also on a rehab assignment. Wheeler allowed four hits and three runs while throwing 72 pitches, his highest workload this year as he works his way back from offseason surgery to remove a blood clot.

This outing marked a significant step forward. After a season debut with three strikeouts and a second start where he allowed five runs, Tuesday's performance was a return to the electric, swing-and-miss stuff Phillies fans know well. The depth of his outing and his pitch count are critical benchmarks, indicating his arm strength and stamina are building at the right pace.

According to reports, Wheeler is scheduled for a fifth rehab appearance this Sunday. If all goes well, it could be his final tune-up before rejoining the big-league club. His return can't come soon enough for a Phillies team currently posting the second-highest opposing batting average in the league. Wheeler's proven ability to shut down lineups will be a game-changer as Philadelphia looks to solidify its standing in a competitive NL East race.