Zack Wheeler
Breakdown
Performance
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March 5, 2026
Tosses third bullpen session
Wheeler (shoulder) threw another bullpen session Wednesday, per MLB.com.
Analysis
Wednesday marked the All-Star right-hander's third bullpen as he continues his rehab from venous thoracic outlet surgery. Wheeler looks to be progressing well, and his throwing program will remain something to keep tabs on throughout the spring. With Wheeler still likely to begin the new year on the injured list, Andrew Painter could open 2026 as part of Philadelphia's starting rotation.
March 1, 2026
Throws second bullpen session
Wheeler (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday, per Jim Salisburg of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Analysis
Sunday marked Wheeler's second session of the spring amid his recovery from venous thoracic outlet surgery. It remains unknown at this point if the All-Star right-hander will have enough time to get in any Grapefruit League action, and Wheeler's throwing progression will remain something for fantasy managers to monitor throughout spring training. Although Wheeler isn't expected to be ready for Opening Day, the Phillies are hopeful the hurler won't need a lengthy stay on the injured list to begin the season.
February 27, 2026
Early-April return possible
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Wheeler's (shoulder) bullpen session Thursday could be the beginning of a six-week ramp-up to "possibly" make the righty ready to rejoin the major-league rotation at the end of it, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Wheeler threw a 21-pitch bullpen session at 80-to-85 percent effort Thursday, marking the first time he's thrown off a mound since he had surgery last September to address venous thoracic outlet syndrome. The hurler said afterward of the bullpen session that, "I felt good, I felt smooth, natural." Six weeks from Thursday would be April 9 and the Phillies are idle that day, but any timetable at this juncture for Wheeler is approximate. Wheeler is unsure whether he will pitch in a Grapefruit League game this spring, noting that "I don't even know when my next bullpen is." The Phillies will tread carefully with the three-time All-Star, but his recovery has gone as good as could be expected to this point.
