2025 Injury Report: Updates on McClanahan, Saalfrank, Wheeler

Phillies baseball operations president Dave Dombrowski stated back in October that Zack Wheeler was doing well and believed that there was a chance that he could be ready for Opening Day. However, months later, that won’t be the case, as the Phillies’ ace won’t be rushed back in 2026.

Wheeler won’t be ready for Opening Day

Phillies manager Rob Thomson stated that Zack Wheeler will not be ready when the team heads up north for the start of the 2026 season. The right-hander underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery on his shoulder late last season.

Thomson stated, though, that Wheeler isn’t far behind. The right-hander threw this past weekend, which the Phillies manager stated went well.

As noted above, there was some early belief that Wheeler could be ready for Opening Day.

Saalfrank done for 2026

Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Saalfrank reportedly underwent shoulder surgery on February 9, which will end his 2026 season.

The 28-year-old Saalfrank played a large role for the Diamondbacks last season. Saalfrank struck out 19 over 29 and posted a 1.24 ERA for the Diamondbacks, a team besieged by reliever injuries last season.

It was a strong rebound for the left-hander, who was suspended for gambling while in the Minors and didn’t become eligible to pitch again until June. However, entering 2026, the D-Backs — already down A.J. Puk & Justin Martinez — will be without yet another reliever.

McClanahan ready to go for 2026

Per the Tampa Bay Times, Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan is healthy entering Spring Training, as he looks to do something he hasn’t done since 2023: pitch in an MLB regular-season game.

McClanahan, who missed all of 2024, appeared to be ready for 2025 entering the spring. However, a nerve issue turned into a season-long odyssey, which ultimately ended his year without throwing a meaningful pitch.