The Philadelphia Phillies went into the 2025 MLB postseason without their staff ace, as Zack Wheeler needed to undergo surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
It’s a long road to recovery, but he can return for the 2026 MLB season, and this offseason has been all about building up to pitch again for the Phillies next season.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, a recent update on Wheeler’s recovery from manager Rob Thomson is some very encouraging news for the right-handed ace.
Phillies get good news on Zack Wheeler amid injury update
“The trainers seem to think he’s doing very well,” Thomson said of Wheeler’s recovery progress.
While Gelb reports the Phillies have not set expectations on Wheeler for his return in 2026, this update from Thomson is a good sign that he’s moving in the right direction.
Returning from such a scary situation will take time, and the Phillies shouldn’t rush him back. The righty wants to come back, and he looks to be on track.
Wheeler has previously said he plans to pitch in 2026 and for as much of the year as possible. As long as he’s healthy, he will be back on the mound for the Phillies.
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Currently, with Spring Training a little over a month away, Wheeler is throwing from 75 feet out and is continuing to conduct workouts with the team as he recovers from surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
Wheeler is an All-Star pitcher who had a 2.71 ERA in 2025 and a 2.57 ERA in 2024 for the Phillies. He’s been one of the best free-agent additions the Phillies have ever made, and will be a huge part of the team’s success in 2026.
While this update doesn’t reveal a timeline for Wheeler’s return, it does reveal that things are going well in his recovery, and the ace should be able to return in the early part of the season for the Phillies.
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