PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies took another encouraging step in the return of their ace Saturday as Zack Wheeler threw a bullpen session while continuing his recovery from thoracic outlet surgery.
The session marked one of the latest checkpoints in Wheeler’s carefully managed spring buildup after the procedure ended his 2025 season prematurely. The right-hander is gradually increasing his workload as the Phillies bring him back through a deliberate progression of throwing sessions, bullpens and eventually live work against hitters.
For now, the organization is focused less on the calendar and more on steady progress.
Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet decompression surgery last September after a blood clot was discovered near his right shoulder. The condition, known as thoracic outlet syndrome, can affect blood flow and nerve function in the arm and has sidelined a number of major league pitchers over the years.
The procedure is designed to relieve pressure on the affected area, but the recovery timeline can vary significantly depending on how pitchers respond as they resume throwing.
That uncertainty is why the Phillies have taken a cautious approach this spring.
Wheeler has been working through a gradual throwing program since arriving in Clearwater, with bullpen sessions serving as an important step between flat-ground throwing and facing hitters. Each outing allows the veteran right-hander to rebuild arm strength while continuing to refine the mechanics and pitch shapes that have made him one of the National League’s most dependable frontline starters.
The expectation inside the organization has been that Wheeler will not be ready for Opening Day, but the early signs from camp have been encouraging.
If the current progression continues without setbacks, the most realistic timeline for Wheeler’s return points to late April or early May, allowing him to complete additional bullpen work, live batting practice sessions and potentially a minor league rehab appearance before rejoining the Phillies’ rotation.
That timeline would give the club roughly a month of regular-season games before its ace is back atop the staff.
When healthy, Wheeler has been one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball since joining Philadelphia prior to the 2020 season. The veteran right-hander has consistently ranked among National League leaders in innings pitched and strikeouts while serving as the tone-setter for the Phillies’ rotation.
His durability has been particularly valuable during the club’s recent postseason runs, where Wheeler has repeatedly taken the ball in the biggest moments.
Because of that track record, the Phillies are prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return.
The organization believes that allowing Wheeler to build up gradually now will give him the best chance to reclaim his usual role as the rotation’s anchor once he returns.
Saturday’s bullpen session represented another small but meaningful step in that process.
For now, the focus remains on steady progress. Saturday’s bullpen represented another checkpoint in Wheeler’s recovery, and if his buildup continues without setbacks, the Phillies could soon see their ace facing hitters — the next step toward a return that could come sometime in late April or early May.
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