Phillies' Luzardo Impresses in Live BP, Injury Updates on Wheeler and Kerkering

Notes from Phillies' spring training camp in Clearwater, including Luzardo's changeup development and upcoming Grapefruit League starters.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:15am

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Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and Andrew Painter all threw live batting practice sessions at the Phillies' spring training facility in Clearwater, Florida. Luzardo's stuff stood out, as he worked on developing a split changeup. The Phillies also provided injury updates on Zack Wheeler and Orion Kerkering, and announced the starting pitchers for their first few Grapefruit League games.

Why it matters

The Phillies are hoping Luzardo can build on his impressive first season with the team and emerge as a top-of-the-rotation starter. His development of a split changeup could make him even more effective. The injury updates on Wheeler and Kerkering are also important as the Phillies look to have a healthy pitching staff heading into the 2026 season.

The details

Luzardo, Nola, and Painter all threw live batting practice sessions, with the opposing hitters mostly consisting of non-roster invitees. Luzardo's stuff stood out, as he is working on adding a split changeup to his arsenal. Kerkering (right hamstring) threw off the mound for the first time since the start of spring training, while Wheeler (thoracic outlet syndrome) played catch from 120 feet and threw a bullpen session on flat ground. The Phillies are unsure when Wheeler will begin throwing off the mound. The team also announced their starting pitchers for the first few Grapefruit League games, with Bryse Wilson starting the opener against the Blue Jays, a bullpen game on Sunday against the Pirates, Alan Rangel starting on Monday against the Nationals, and Taijuan Walker starting on Thursday against the Nationals.

  • Luzardo, Nola, and Painter all threw live batting practice sessions on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Kerkering threw off the mound for the first time since the start of spring training.
  • Wheeler played catch from 120 feet and threw a bullpen session on flat ground.

The players

Jesús Luzardo

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who is working on developing a split changeup to complement his arsenal.

Aaron Nola

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who participated in the live batting practice sessions.

Andrew Painter

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who participated in the live batting practice sessions.

Orion Kerkering

A pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who is recovering from a right hamstring injury.

Zack Wheeler

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who is recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome.

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What they’re saying

“I'm watching these BPs. The first time these guys see hitters, they haven't seen hitters in like five months. Typically, I think it's probably about 60-65%, the first hitter they see, they walk. It's fascinating to me. These three guys, they were good. They went right after it.”

— Rob Thomson, Manager

What’s next

The Phillies will continue to monitor the progress of Luzardo, Wheeler, and Kerkering as they ramp up for the start of the 2026 season. The team will also be closely watching the performance of their starting pitchers in the upcoming Grapefruit League games.

The takeaway

The Phillies are optimistic about Luzardo's development and the potential return to health of Wheeler and Kerkering, which could give them a formidable starting rotation as they look to build on their success from the 2025 season.