Phillies Ace Zack Wheeler Takes Important Step Forward in Ramp-Up

Wheeler throws first bullpen session of spring training as he recovers from offseason surgery.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:41pm

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Zack Wheeler, the ace of the Philadelphia Phillies' pitching rotation, took an important step forward in his recovery from offseason surgery by throwing a 21-pitch bullpen session on Thursday. Wheeler, who was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome late last season, underwent surgery in September to remove a rib. The Phillies have a plan in place that could result in Wheeler making his 2026 debut at the end of April or sometime in May, provided there are no setbacks.

Why it matters

Wheeler's recovery is crucial for the Phillies, as his absence opens up a spot in the starting rotation for top pitching prospect Andrew Painter. The team will also be without other key starters, Taijuan Walker and Cristopher Sanchez, during the early part of March due to their participation in the World Baseball Classic.

The details

Wheeler threw 21 pitches, all fastballs, from a bullpen mound at the Phillies' spring training facility in Clearwater, Florida. This was his first bullpen session of the spring training camp. The team plans to have two or three more bullpen sessions before Wheeler progresses to the next step, which could include facing hitters in live batting practice, pitching a simulated game, or making a minor-league spring training appearance.

  • On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Wheeler threw his first bullpen session of spring training.

The players

Zack Wheeler

The ace of the Philadelphia Phillies' pitching rotation, who underwent offseason surgery to remove a rib after being diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome late last season.

Andrew Painter

The Phillies' top pitching prospect, who will make his first spring start since 2023 on Sunday. Painter missed all of 2023 and '24 with an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery before making six starts in the 2024 Arizona Fall League and 26 in the minor leagues last season, 22 of them at Triple A.

Taijuan Walker

A Phillies starting pitcher who is in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract. Walker made his 2026 spring training debut on Thursday, allowing a run on two singles and a double in two innings against the Nationals.

Cristopher Sanchez

A Phillies starting pitcher who will start for the Dominican Republic against Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic on March 6.

Aaron Nola

A Phillies starting pitcher who will pitch for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.