Phillies Spring Training Wrap-Up: A Smooth Ride with Wheeler's Return on the Horizon
CLEARWATER, Fla. - It’s not every day you see a group of baseball coaches changing a tire on the side of I-75, but that’s exactly what Phillies manager Rob Thomson and his crew found themselves doing last week. A minor hiccup in what’s been a largely smooth spring training for the Phillies.
The real highlights came on the field, where the Phillies locked down key players with significant deals. Jesús Luzardo inked a $135 million contract, keeping him away from free agency, while Cristopher Sánchez secured $107 million, ensuring he’s with the team through 2032.
Bryce Harper and Aaron Nola shone at the World Baseball Classic, and rookies Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford made their presence felt in Grapefruit League action. Overall, the Phillies left Florida feeling optimistic about their six-week stint.
Monday brought more good news as Zack Wheeler took the mound for a simulated game, throwing to Phillies farmhands. His fastball clocked in at 94 mph, a promising sign for a pitcher who’s crucial to the Phillies’ plans this season. Wheeler is set to begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, aiming for a return to the big leagues by April.
Thomson expressed confidence in Wheeler’s progress, noting his command and velocity are right where they should be for this stage of spring training. Wheeler, the highest-paid pitcher in the sport this season at $42 million, is vital to the Phillies’ ambitions.
While Wheeler didn’t appear in a big-league game before camp ended, he managed to throw 29 pitches in the sim game, checking an important box in his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. Despite keeping details under wraps, Wheeler has exuded confidence throughout his recovery.
In an unusual setting without outfielders, Wheeler faced low-level minor leaguers, with Harper and other teammates watching. He ramped up his intensity in the second inning, a promising sign as he builds towards regular-season form.
Wheeler’s weight remains a work in progress, as he’s still 10 pounds shy of his ideal pitching weight of 205. A strict diet post-surgery saw him lose weight, but he’s hopeful to regain it soon, which should give him an extra boost on the mound.
Elsewhere in the Phillies camp, Orion Kerkering is on track to return from a hamstring strain, and Max Lazar is back throwing after a rib cage issue. Aidan Miller’s back soreness remains a concern, as he hasn’t resumed baseball activities.
Monday’s Grapefruit League finale featured the lineup Thomson plans to use in Thursday’s opener against the Texas Rangers. Trea Turner leads off, followed by Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Alec Bohm.
Bryson Stott, who impressed late last season and this spring, will hit fifth. The rest of the lineup includes Adolis García, Brandon Marsh, J.T.
Realmuto, and Justin Crawford. Against lefties, Edmundo Sosa and Otto Kemp will fill in at second base and left field, respectively.
The Phillies are sticking with this lineup for now, but Thomson is open to changes if necessary. The mood in the clubhouse was one of relief and excitement, especially for newcomers like Painter, Crawford, Kemp, Jonathan Bowlan, and Kyle Backhus, who are set to experience their first Opening Day in the majors.
Spring training is over, and the Phillies are ready to take on the season with optimism and a healthy roster.