The Philadelphia Phillies are kicking off the 2026 MLB season with plenty of buzz, but all eyes are on Zack Wheeler. After missing the final stretch of the 2025 season due to thoracic outlet syndrome, Wheeler was expected to sit out the first month of 2026. However, recent updates suggest he might be back sooner than anticipated.
According to a report from The Athletic's Matt Gelb, Wheeler is set for a rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this Saturday. This development is a promising sign for the Phillies, indicating that Wheeler's recovery is on track and possibly ahead of schedule.
This update comes on the heels of Wheeler's first live game outing since his injury, which evidently went well enough to prompt the Phillies to move forward with his rehab assignment. The 35-year-old right-hander is entering his 12th MLB season and seventh with the Phillies, boasting a remarkable 2.91 ERA and 30.4 total bWAR during his tenure with the team.
Last season, Wheeler was in top form before his injury, posting a 2.71 ERA over 24 starts, with a 10-5 record and 195 strikeouts in 149 innings. His 5.0 bWAR underscored his value as a Cy Young-caliber pitcher, making his return crucial for the Phillies' rotation.
In the fiercely competitive NL East, where the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves are constant threats, having Wheeler back in action sooner rather than later could be a game-changer. If his rehab start goes smoothly, the Phillies could see their ace back on the mound earlier than the initial late-April projection, providing a significant boost to their playoff aspirations.