Zack Wheeler didn’t pitch in Spring Coaching as he recovered from surgical procedure for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Nonetheless, he might return to the Philadelphia Phillies prior to anticipated.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that Wheeler will formally start a rehab task in Triple-A on Saturday. He’s presently slated to pitch for 3 innings as he appears to construct his pitch rely.
Wheeler was within the midst of a stellar season earlier than he was shelved with a blood clot in his proper shoulder in mid-August. He had posted a 2.71 ERA and a 0.935 WHiP in his 149.2 innings, hanging out 195 batters with 33 walks. A 3-time All-Star, Wheeler nonetheless earned down-ballot Cy Younger votes regardless of the early finish to his 12 months.
Zack Wheeler provides Philadelphia Phillies one other weapon within the rotation
The Phillies nonetheless have a formidable rotation with out Wheeler. Cristopher Sanchez had a profession 12 months in 2025, ending second within the NL Cy Younger vote and third within the majors with 6.4 fWAR. Jesus Luzardo has settled in as a strong middle-of-the-rotation arm whereas Aaron Nola is trying to bounce again from a tough exhibiting in 2025.
Wheeler could also be part of that equation quickly. The Phillies can have 30 days to activate Wheeler as soon as he formally begins his rehab task, giving him loads of time to construct up his pitch rely. If Wheeler responds effectively throughout his rehab task, he ought to be again in Philadelphia by the top of April.
