Zack Wheeler threw a 21-pitch bullpen on Thursday, making the first time that the Phillies ace had thrown a BP since undergoing thoracic outlet surgery in September. Wheeler and Phils manager Rob Thomson each told reporters (including The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes) that Wheeler threw only fastballs and sinkers at about 85 percent effort, which is normal for any pitcher’s first bullpen session following an injury layoff. Everything went well enough that Wheeler is slated for another bullpen on Sunday, as for now, the right-hander is on a standard ramp-up plan.
It is still early enough in the process that neither Wheeler or the team is putting any kind of timeline on when the three-time All-Star could potentially make his return to Philadelphia’s rotation. TOS surgeries and their associated recovery periods are, as Thomson put it, “new stuff, and it’s different than a lot of other injuries. So, we really can’t pin it down to a day or a week.”
Still, it would seem like the early optimism that Wheeler could be back at some point in the first half of April has yet to abate. Wheeler was given a broad timeframe of 6-8 months in the wake of his surgery, so at the very least, it would seem like he’ll be able to return in the earlier end of that two-month window. A season-opening IL stint is definite, but Thomson said it is possible Wheeler could pitch in a Spring Training game before camp is over.
The Phillies surely aren’t going to rush Wheeler’s process, of course, since simply having him back pitching isn’t nearly as important as having him back in good form, both health-wise and results-wise. It is anyone’s guess as to whether or not Wheeler will able to recapture his superstar level of production immediately or even at all, given how many (but not all) pitchers dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome have never been the same after their surgeries. The fact that Wheeler is thus far feeling normal in his prep work is a great sign that the righty can again be a force in the rotation.
In other injury news, Orion Kerkering was sidelined by a Grade 1 hamstring strain right at the start of the Phillies’ camp, but the right-hander is set to throw a bullpen session today. Assuming no setbacks in Kerkering’s ramp-up, he should be on track for the Opening Day roster, as his arm will require less build for a relief role.
Kerkering will return to a high-leverage assignment in Philadelphia’s bullpen, though the addition of Brad Keller may push Kerkering a rung lower on the depth chart. Kerkering’s 2025 season will unfortunately be remembered for his game-ending and series-ending throwing error in Game 4 of the NLDS, but he delivered another solid campaign overall, with a 3.30 ERA and 24.4% strikeout rate over 60 innings. That strikeout rate was a dropoff from his 28.8K% in 2024, however, plus Kerkering’s walk rate spiked upwards.
Bryson Stott is another Phillie looking for more consistency in 2026, but the fact that the second baseman ended last season on a high note gives him lots of optimism for the coming season. As Stott told MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, some brutal numbers in the first half led Stott to overhaul his approach on the fly at midseason, with adjustments that included lowering his hands and standing closer to the plate. The left-handed hitter also simplified things by just trying to pull the ball and make solid contact, rather than focus on trying to hit to all fields.
“If you just take your swing and it’s an outside pitch, it’s going to go to left, instead of trying to guide it to left,” Stott said. “For example, I’ll get an inside heater and I’m like, ‘Well, I want to hit the ball to left this at-bat,’ and then I try to finagle the barrel around and that’s when I get myself in trouble. The second half was more of just letting the ball dictate where it’s going to go rather than me trying to dictate where it’s going to go.”
Stott enjoyed a hot start in April before sinking into a deep slump, as he batted just .196/.266/.274 over 243 plate appearances from May 1 through July 22. From that point onwards, the swing changes starting clicking, as Stott hit .307/.376/.508 over his final 202 PA of the 2025 campaign.
Most of Stott’s season-long damage came against right-handed pitchers, as he batted only .225/.287/.228 in 123 PA against southpaws. Stott posted at least decent numbers against lefties in his first two MLB seasons, but his splits have cratered over the last two years, which has threatened his role as Philadelphia’s everyday second baseman. The team’s plan is to give Edmundo Sosa a big chunk (and maybe all) of the second base playing time when a left-hander is on the mound, though Stott believes he can perform well enough against southpaws to protect his spot in the lineup.
Wheel of Fortune ??
Stealers wheel?
I’m still holding out hope for Stott. If the bat can just be a little more consistent it’d be huge. He’s absolutely great in the field. Just need the bat to improve a bit
I think there’s a good chance Bryson Stott figures it out, and establishes himself as the Phillies 2nd baseman. Aidan Miller will be at 3rd base, and Alec Bohm will be elsewhere.
That’s where I land as well in the long run. I think Stott has the talent. It’s just a consistency issue but I do think he gets squared away. As the article pointed out he was pretty good last bit of the year.
I hope he gets it figured out too. He seems like a good dude and is very well liked in the clubhouse. Good vibes guys are important
I think Bohm is going to have a big year. Miller will be ready by 2027, but replacing Bohm at third, is far from a sure thing. How well Turner plays at ss, will be a big factor. Miller will also get some outfield reps, to open the possibility of seeing action in left field.
I’ve been a fan of Alec Bohm since he arrived, so I also wouldn’t mind seeing your scenario play out.
You have used three unnecessary commas in this post that do nothing but make one wonder if you know how to use punctuation.
It’s funny you should say that. My nickname in high school was Unnecessary Commas!
Who cares, we all , knew what he ,was saying!!!!!
Y,e,a,h, r,i,g,h,t,?,!,?
I remember when Stott was at UNLV, he reminded me of Brandon Crawford. The move to 2B suits Stott well and he seems to have figured out an approach that works for him. This will be his best season numbers and consistency wise. Still holding out hope that he’s playing back home in Las Vegas in 2028.
I’m holding out hope the Phillies find a way to fleece the A’s in a trade for Henry Bolte.
SOSA
The Phillies aren’t rushing Wheeler but make no mistake about it, Wheeler has his sights set on winning the Cy Young and he knows he has to make at least 25 starts to be in consideration. 30 would be better. He cant afford to miss 8 turns. A minor injury mid season derails him.
Wheeler is on record stating that he is going to retire when his contract is up. With the ’27 season up in the air, this year could be his last opportunity to win the award.
I’d say Wheeler is pushing for opening day.
There is virtually no chance that Wheeler will be pitching in the big leagues on opening day. Considering the fast progress that Wheeler has made, a realistic target date is somewhere between mid to late April. Considering the severity of the t o s, surgery, I highly doubt that the Cy Young award is even on Wheeler’s mind. Nobody knows ( including Wheeler) when and if, he will return to his dominant form!!
That’s funny. Cy Young and WS ring are likely his goals.
Seems like an odd take. Why would Wheeler be so selfishly focused on such an award? You would think he would be happy just to pitch a healthy season and help get his team to the postseason. If by doing that, he puts up the correct stats that could lead to a Cy Young, then so be it. I doubt any team oriented pitcher has a Cy Young award #1 on his mind going into a season, especially after such a serious injury…or in any case really.