Phillies' Zack Wheeler could be back sooner than expected

Zack Wheeler did not pitch in Spring Training as he recovered from surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Nonetheless, he could return to the Philadelphia Phillies sooner than expected.

Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that Wheeler will officially begin a rehab assignment in Triple-A on Saturday. He is currently slated to pitch for three innings as he looks to build his pitch count.

Wheeler was in the midst of a stellar season before he was shelved with a blood clot in his right shoulder in mid-August. He had posted a 2.71 ERA and a 0.935 WHiP in his 149.2 innings, striking out 195 batters with 33 walks. A three-time All-Star, Wheeler still earned down-ballot Cy Young votes despite the early end to his year.

Zack Wheeler gives Philadelphia Phillies another weapon in the rotation

The Phillies still have an impressive rotation without Wheeler. Cristopher Sanchez had a career year in 2025, finishing second in the NL Cy Young vote and third in the majors with 6.4 fWAR. Jesus Luzardo has settled in as a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm while Aaron Nola is looking to bounce back from a rough showing in 2025.

Wheeler may be a part of that equation soon. The Phillies will have 30 days to activate Wheeler once he officially begins his rehab assignment, giving him plenty of time to build up his pitch count. If Wheeler responds well during his rehab assignment, he should be back in Philadelphia by the end of April.