The Philadelphia Phillies have gotten off to a solid start in the 2026 campaign, as they have posted a 4-3 record through their first seven games. There’s reason to believe that the Phillies will continue to improve as the season unfolds, and it appears as if they are likely to get some help from some friendly faces in the near future.
One of those guys is starting pitcher Zack Wheeler, who is recovering from surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome after undergoing a procedure to remove a blood clot in his shoulder. Philadelphia is hopeful that Wheeler can return to the majors in April, but he struggled in his most recent rehab outing. Still, it doesn’t seem like the team’s plans for Wheeler have changed.
Phillies Not Concerned with Zack Wheeler’s Rehab Struggles
Since arriving in Philadelphia in 2020, Wheeler has been one of the most consistent starting pitchers in the majors. He’s earned three All-Star selections during his time in town, while also earning a pair of second-place finishes in the National League Cy Young race. The Phillies have had a strong starting rotation seemingly every year during Wheeler’s time in town, but he’s always been the best of the bunch.
Wheeler was in the middle of another dominant campaign in 2025 (10-5, 2.71 ERA, 195 K, 0.94 WHIP) when a scary blood clot situation resulted in him getting shut down. As noted above, Wheeler would eventually undergo surgery on his shoulder, which resulted in him being forced to miss the start of the 2026 season.
After a strong first rehab start, Wheeler got rocked on Friday night, as he gave up five runs on four hits and two walks while striking out just one over three innings of work. Wheeler didn’t get much help from his defense behind him, though, and it sounds like the Phillies aren’t concerned with this tough outing, as the expectation is still that he will be back in the majors later in April.
“Regardless, barring any setbacks, the veteran right-hander remains on track to rejoin Philadelphia’s rotation at some point in April,” Paul Casella of MLB.com reported.
Zack Wheeler Trending in the Right Direction for the Phillies
GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 12: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the first inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 12, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
It’s still very early in the season, so the Phillies aren’t going to rush Wheeler back to the majors before he’s ready. However, it’s clear that the team wants to get its best pitcher back on the mound, as it is hopeful he can pick up right where he left off in 2025. As this rehab start showed, though, it may take some time until Wheeler regains his All-Star form.
Wheeler will make at least one more rehab start for Philadelphia before it figures out what the plan is for him moving forward. The starting rotation as currently constructed can certainly hold down the fort, but the addition of Wheeler could take this group to another level. While the exact date of Wheeler’s next rehab start has not been announced yet, he is expected to be back on the mound at some point next week.
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