Zack Wheeler isn’t in a race against time as much as he’s battling thoracic outlet syndrome. On Monday, Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged what many inside the organization have quietly expected, conceding that the ace is unlikely to be ready when Philadelphia opens the 2026 season.
Speaking with MLB.com’s Paul Casella, Thomson said he does not anticipate Wheeler being available on Opening Day, though he added that he “doesn’t think he’ll be too far behind that,” emphasizing that the right-hander’s rehabilitation has been progressing well. It marked the strongest public signal yet that the Phillies are preparing to open the season without their top starter, even while maintaining hope for his return early in the year.
Philadelphia Phillies News: Zack Wheeler Injury Update
The situation traces back to an unwelcome diagnosis late last summer. Wheeler was shut down in August after experiencing arm discomfort that was later tied to a blood clot in his right upper extremity. Additional testing revealed venous thoracic outlet syndrome, a serious condition caused by compression of blood vessels near the shoulder, leading doctors to recommend thoracic outlet decompression surgery.
Soon after, the Phillies announced Wheeler would miss the remainder of the 2025 season and undergo the procedure, with an initial recovery estimate of six to eight months. For a 35-year-old pitcher who had built a reputation as one of baseball’s most durable frontline starters, the news was a significant blow to both Wheeler and a rotation designed around his reliability.
Zack Wheeler Rehab News
Since the surgery, updates have followed a familiar pattern: cautiously optimistic. Reports in January described Wheeler’s recovery as being “great” and “right where it should be,” noting that he has resumed light throwing, steadily increased arm strength, and worked closely with the training staff. Still, each update carried the same message that the team was not locking him into an Opening Day timeline.
Given the stakes, the Phillies are clearly prioritizing patience. The medical staff understands that pushing Wheeler too quickly risks a setback, making Thomson’s assessment of “not Opening Day, but not far behind” consistent with how teams typically handle recoveries of this magnitude.
Phillies’ Rotation: Looking for Help?
For Philadelphia, the concern extends well beyond the first few weeks of the season. The larger question is how many starts the club can get from Wheeler at or near full strength over the course of the year. Before the injury, he was among the game’s most dependable elite pitchers, logging heavy innings totals, piling up strikeouts, and delivering in the postseason.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Phillies may explore reinforcements. Nightengale reported that President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski could seek additional starting pitching depth on the trade market this spring.
The team has already acknowledged the trickle-down effects of Wheeler’s absence on younger arms like Andrew Painter and the overall depth behind the top of the rotation. That reality remains, even with encouraging rehab news.
In a crowded National League race, even a brief delay in Wheeler’s return could be the difference between a smooth start and an early scramble.