Phillies Seek Answers as Spring Training Opens

Key questions loom for the team as they prepare for the new season

Feb. 11, 2026 at 5:47am

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The Philadelphia Phillies are set to begin spring training, with several key questions surrounding the team's roster and prospects. Injuries to starting pitcher Zack Wheeler and the development of top prospect Andrew Painter are among the top concerns. Meanwhile, the Phillies are also excited about the potential of young outfielders like Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller, who could make an impact at the major league level this year.

Why it matters

The Phillies are looking to build on their success from last season and make another push for the playoffs. How they address the questions around their starting rotation and integrate their top prospects will be crucial to their chances of contending in the NL East.

The details

The Phillies will be without Zack Wheeler to start the season as he recovers from thoracic outlet decompression surgery. This leaves them with Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo and Aaron Nola as their set starting pitchers, with Taijuan Walker and top prospect Andrew Painter as potential fill-ins. Painter is looking to regain his form after an up-and-down 2025 season. Meanwhile, the Phillies have high hopes for outfielders Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller, who could both make the major league roster this year. Crawford is expected to be the team's starting center fielder, while Miller will get looks at multiple infield positions during spring training.

  • The Phillies' pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in Clearwater, Florida on February 11, 2026.
  • The Phillies are aiming to have Zack Wheeler ready to join the rotation, but it is unlikely he will be ready by Opening Day.

The players

Zack Wheeler

The Phillies' starting pitcher who is recovering from thoracic outlet decompression surgery and is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season.

Cristopher Sánchez

One of the Phillies' set starting pitchers to begin the 2026 season.

Jesús Luzardo

One of the Phillies' set starting pitchers to begin the 2026 season.

Aaron Nola

One of the Phillies' set starting pitchers to begin the 2026 season.

Andrew Painter

The Phillies' top prospect who is looking to regain his form after an up-and-down 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“He's going back to long tossing, which he hadn't done in the past. He's got his arm angle up a tick more, which they think will help him get back to where he was before. … Commanding his pitches — them, of course, being the same quality of pitches he's had in the past.”

— Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations

“I'm not sure what more a guy can do in the minor leagues. If he uses the field, gets his base hits, uses the bunt game, the small game, plays good defense — we've got a guy that's going to hit at the bottom of our lineup, get on base and create a lot of havoc.”

— Rob Thomson, Manager

What’s next

The Phillies will continue to monitor Zack Wheeler's recovery and could look to add starting pitching depth before the start of the season.

The takeaway

The Phillies have a strong core in place, but their ability to integrate their top prospects and overcome early-season injuries to their starting rotation will be crucial to their chances of returning to the playoffs in 2026.