Phillies' Rob Thomson Announces Zack Wheeler News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 2:34 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies’ 2025 season did not go according to plan, ending with another early exit from the MLB playoffs. The club was shorthanded, as ace Zack Wheeler was sidelined for the final two months of the year.

In August, Wheeler underwent surgery to remove a blood clot related to thoracic outlet syndrome, followed by a recommended thoracic outlet decompression procedure.

The setback interrupted what was shaping up to be one of the most complete seasons of his 11-year career.

Before the injury, the 35-year-old veteran had made 24 starts and posted a 2.71 ERA, 0.935 WHIP and 195 strikeouts across 149 2/3 innings, keeping Philadelphia at the top of the NL East.

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

With the Phillies aiming to translate their regular-season success, which includes back-to-back NL East titles, into a sustained postseason run, time is winding down for the current core and the roster is already shaping up to look different next year.

Reinforcements on the pitching front may be coming sooner rather than later in the form of Wheeler.

The recommended recovery window from Wheeler’s surgery is six to eight months, and manager Rob Thomson revealed on Monday that the right-hander has been progressing well according to team trainers

. Wheeler is already throwing out to 75 feet, per Ty Daubert of Phillies Nation. If that progress continues, there is a legitimate chance he could be available by Opening Day.

Rob Thomson said the Phillies trainers seem to think Zack Wheeler (TOS surgery) is doing very well. He’s throwing out to 75 feet so far.

Thomson will see Wheeler in Philadelphia tomorrow.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) January 5, 2026

This is an encouraging development, as Philadelphia continues to rely on Wheeler to anchor the rotation as a frontline starter next season. Over the past six years with the Phillies, he has consistently delivered, living up to expectations year after year.

His track record speaks for itself, with a 2.91 ERA and a 69–37 record across 157 starts, along with three All-Star selections and four top-10 finishes in NL MVP voting.

Wheeler has also built a reputation for performing well in October, frequently rising to the occasion in the postseason, although he still searches for his first World Series title.

That pursuit carries added urgency, since Wheeler has stated that he intends to retire once his current contract comes to an end.

For the Phillies, Wheeler’s return represents not only a boost to the rotation but also a final chance to maximize the championship window with their ace.

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

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