Zack Wheeler. © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Phillies Announce Zack Wheeler News on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 6, 2025 5:17 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the divisional round of the MLB playoffs this year, dropping the series in four games. Despite the loss, Philadelphia’s starting rotation held its own against Los Angeles, even without ace Zack Wheeler. The 35-year-old right-handed veteran was sidelined for the postseason after developing a blood clot near his shoulder, later diagnosed as venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

Before the injury, Wheeler was a frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award. He posted a 10–5 record with a 2.71 ERA over 24 starts, striking out 195 batters in just 149 2/3 innings. He remained one of the most dominant pitchers in the league throughout the regular season.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45)© Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

As Wheeler continues to progress in his recovery, with the goal of returning by the start of the 2026 season, the Phillies announced that he had been moved back to the active roster. The team also made two additional roster moves.

“The Phillies made the following roster moves today: INF Rafael Lantigua was outrighted to Lehigh Valley (AAA) and is now a free agent. The Phillies 40-man roster is now at 30 players. Additionally, RHP’s Zack Wheeler & Daniel Robert were reinstated from the 60-day injured list,” the team wrote on X.

The Phillies made the following roster moves today:

INF Rafael Lantigua was outrighted to Lehigh Valley (AAA) and is now a free agent. The Phillies 40-man roster is now at 30 players.

Additionally, RHP’s Zack Wheeler & Daniel Robert were reinstated from the 60-day injured…
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 6, 2025

Wheeler’s reinstatement is a procedural move that reflects his progress in recovery. He was placed on the 60-day injured list during the 2025 season after undergoing surgery, which made him ineligible for postseason play. Moving him back to the active roster does not guarantee he will be ready for Opening Day, but it clears a spot on the injured list and signals that he is on track. These types of transactions are common as teams reset their 40-man rosters in the offseason.

Wheeler will be entering the second year of his three-year, $126 million contract in 2026, and he has made it clear that he plans to retire once the deal ends. Over 11 seasons in the big leagues, he has built an accomplished career. Wheeler has earned three All-Star selections, a Gold Glove award and has consistently remained in the Cy Young Award conversation. The only thing missing from his resume is a World Series title, and time is no longer on his side.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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