As spring training unfolds in Clearwater, optimism is beginning to build around a Phillies club that enters 2026 with legitimate championship aspirations. Every bullpen session, every swing, and every roster decision carries added weight for a team determined to capitalize on its competitive window. On Thursday, that sense of anticipation intensified when one of the franchise’s most important figures took a meaningful step forward in his recovery.
The Philadelphia Phillies received a major lift as Zack Wheeler returned to the mound for his first bullpen session of camp. The 35-year-old right-hander, working his way back from thoracic outlet surgery, delivered 21 fastballs in Clearwater, Florida, offering a promising sign that his recovery is progressing. Although the team does not expect him to pitch in Grapefruit League action, the outing marked a clear step toward his anticipated return later this season.
Wheeler’s recovery timeline remains measured. The organization intends for him to complete several bullpen sessions before advancing to live batting practice, carefully building him up after last year’s surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. While he is projected to rejoin the rotation in 2026 — likely sometime after Opening Day — no firm date has been established. Still, having their ace trending upward is an encouraging development for a team with postseason ambitions.
Local outlet 97.5 The Fanatic shared video footage of Wheeler’s bullpen on X, formerly known as Twitter, giving fans their first public look at him throwing off a mound this spring.
“It’s been too long since you’ve heard Zack Wheeler make the mitt pop ⚾💥 ⚾💥”
The post, shared Thursday afternoon, captured the crisp sound of Wheeler’s fastball snapping into the catcher’s glove — a familiar and welcome sound for Phillies supporters. The sharpness of the session suggested that the veteran righty has not lost his edge during the rehabilitation process.
Before his season was cut short last year, Wheeler — a 2021 First-Team All-MLB selection — compiled a 2.71 ERA over 24 starts. Across 157 career starts in Philadelphia, he has posted a stellar 2.91 ERA, firmly establishing himself as the leader of the pitching staff.
For the Phillies, this bullpen was more than a routine workout. It represented hope. While his season debut is expected sometime in late April or May, the early signs from camp point toward a steady and encouraging path back to the mound for their ace.