Zack Wheeler Not Expected to Start Phillies’ Opening Day | MLB Injury Update
- PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for a season opener without ace pitcher Zack Wheeler, manager Rob Thomson confirmed Monday.
- “He’s progressing well, but I don’t think he’ll be ready for Opening Day,” Thomson said.
- From the outset, the Phillies acknowledged the challenging timeline for Wheeler’s full recovery.
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for a season opener without ace pitcher Zack Wheeler, manager Rob Thomson confirmed Monday. The news isn’t a surprise, as Wheeler continues his rehabilitation following surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome on September 23rd. However, Thomson’s statement marks the first time the Phillies have publicly acknowledged Wheeler will likely miss the start of the regular season.
“He’s progressing well, but I don’t think he’ll be ready for Opening Day,” Thomson said. “But it won’t be long after that.”
From the outset, the Phillies acknowledged the challenging timeline for Wheeler’s full recovery. The team initially indicated a recovery window of six to eight months from the date of the surgery. That timeframe places his potential return between late March and late May.
Wheeler threw a bullpen session over the weekend, which Thomson described as “very good.” The Phillies remain optimistic that the right-hander’s return will occur closer to the beginning of that projected window than the end.
The Phillies will not rush the return of the 35-year-old Wheeler, who has been their Opening Day starter for the past two seasons. His absence creates a significant question mark at the top of the rotation, a unit that was a key strength during their 2025 playoff run.
With Wheeler sidelined, Dominican right-hander Cristopher Sánchez is the clear frontrunner to start for the Phillies on , when they host the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Sánchez finished second in National League Cy Young Award voting last season, establishing himself as a legitimate ace.
Beyond Sánchez, the Phillies are likely to fill out their rotation with Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and top pitching prospect Andrew Painter. Nola recently returned from a three-month absence due to a sprained ankle, and Walker provides veteran stability. Painter, one of the organization’s most highly touted prospects, offers significant upside if he can successfully transition to a full major league workload.
Wheeler’s injury initially surfaced on , when he was placed on the 15-day injured list with an upper-extremity blood clot. A subsequent thrombolysis procedure successfully removed the clot on . However, further evaluation revealed the underlying issue of venous thoracic outlet syndrome, necessitating surgery.
Venous thoracic outlet syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a condition involving compression of blood vessels or nerves in the space between the neck and shoulder, potentially causing numbness in the fingers. The surgery aimed to alleviate that compression and restore proper blood flow.
Wheeler was enjoying an outstanding season prior to the injury, posting a 10-5 record with a 2.71 ERA in 24 starts, covering 149 2/3 innings. He struck out 195 batters while walking just 33, demonstrating his dominance on the mound. His performance earned him a third All-Star selection and solidified his position as the Phillies’ most reliable starter.
The Phillies’ pitching staff, even without Wheeler, remains a formidable force. Sánchez’s emergence as a Cy Young contender, combined with the returning Nola and the steady presence of Luzardo and Walker, provides a solid foundation. However, Wheeler’s absence undoubtedly diminishes their ceiling and places added pressure on the rest of the rotation to perform at a high level.
The team’s ability to navigate the first month or two of the season without Wheeler will be crucial. A strong start from Sánchez and consistent performances from the other starters will be essential to maintaining their position in a competitive National League East. The Phillies will also be closely monitoring Painter’s development, hoping he can quickly contribute at the major league level.
The loss of Wheeler is a significant blow to the Phillies’ championship aspirations, but the team remains confident in its ability to contend. The success of their season will hinge on the performance of their remaining starters, the development of their young prospects, and the timely return of their ace.