Zack Wheeler
Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
March 23, 2026
Beginning rehab assignment Saturday
Wheeler (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Saturday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
After checking out fine following a 29-pitch, two-inning simulated game Monday at Phillies camp, Wheeler has received the green light to pitch in an uncontrolled setting for the first time since undergoing venous thoracic outlet syndrome surgery Sept. 23. According to Zolecki, the right-hander is expected to work three innings for what will likely be the first of multiple rehab outings in the minors before he's deemed ready to make his 2026 debut with Philadelphia. Though Wheeler will open the season on the 15-day injured list, he looks like he could have a chance at returning to the Philadelphia rotation around the middle of April.
March 23, 2026
Still tracking toward April return
Wheeler (shoulder) threw 29 pitches over two simulated innings on the back fields of Phillies camp Monday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
The 35-year-old righty is still slated to open the season on the 10-day injured list while he builds back up from venous thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, which he underwent Sept. 23. While facing off Monday against some of the Phillies' lower-level farmhands, Wheeler reportedly looked sharp and ramped up his velocity in the second inning. Wheeler is expected to continue increasing the volume and intensity of his sim games over the next week or two before potentially kicking off a rehab assignment shortly after the minor-league season gets underway. Though he's currently without a firm target date for making his 2026 Phillies debut, Wheeler appears likely to return from the IL at some point in April.
March 19, 2026
Will pitch in minors game Monday
Wheeler (shoulder) will pitch in a minor-league game Monday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Wheeler will be limited to 40 pitches, but it will mark his first game action of the spring. The veteran right-hander is set to open the regular season on the injured list, but a return at some point in April appears to still be on the table. Wheeler has been throwing bullpens and live batting practice sessions for the past few weeks. Top pitching prospect Andrew Painter figures to open the season in the Phillies' rotation while Wheeler works his way into game shape.
