The Philadelphia Phillies remain firmly focused on their goal of capturing a World Series title, but one significant question continues to hover over the franchise: when will ace pitcher Zack Wheeler make his long-awaited return to the mound?
Wheeler has been sidelined since undergoing thoracic outlet syndrome surgery last year, a procedure that forced him to miss substantial time. Although the organization has indicated that he is targeting a return in 2026, there is still no firm timetable for when he will be back in game action. What is known, however, is that he will not be ready for Opening Day. That uncertainty has left fans and analysts wondering just how long the Phillies will need to wait before their top starter is fully back in the rotation.
There was, however, a positive development this week. According to a report shared on social media by 97.5 The Fanatic, Wheeler reached an important milestone in his recovery. For the first time this spring, the veteran right-hander threw off a mound during a bullpen session. The update may seem modest on the surface, but it represents meaningful progress in his rehabilitation process.
The radio station’s social media post highlighted the significance of the moment, noting how long it had been since fans had heard Wheeler’s fastball pop into the catcher’s mitt. While he is not yet throwing at full velocity and has not advanced to facing live hitters, simply returning to mound work is a promising step forward. For a pitcher recovering from a serious procedure like thoracic outlet surgery, each incremental improvement matters.
When healthy, Wheeler has consistently been one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball. Even in a shortened campaign last season, he delivered outstanding results. Over 24 starts, he produced a 5.0 bWAR season, underscoring just how dominant he can be on the mound. He finished with a stellar 2.71 ERA before his year was cut short, further reinforcing his value to the Phillies’ championship ambitions.
Since signing with Philadelphia six years ago, Wheeler has been remarkably consistent. Across 157 starts in a Phillies uniform, he has compiled an impressive 2.91 ERA, cementing himself as one of the most reliable and effective starters in the league. His signing has proven to be one of the franchise’s most impactful free-agent acquisitions in recent memory.
Wheeler remains under contract for two more seasons, but he has already indicated that he plans to retire after the 2027 campaign. That timeline adds extra urgency to his recovery. With only two guaranteed years left in his career, the Phillies are eager to maximize every remaining inning from their ace.
For now, the sight of Wheeler back on the mound this spring offers hope. While there is still work to be done before he returns to competitive action, this bullpen session serves as a clear sign that progress is being made—and that the Phillies’ championship dreams may once again include their dominant right-hander leading the way.
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