Phillies Ace Zack Wheeler Likely to Miss Start of Season

The Phillies' star right-hander is recovering from shoulder surgery and may not be ready for Opening Day.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Philadelphia Phillies will likely need to find a short-term replacement for ace pitcher Zack Wheeler to begin the 2026 season. Wheeler underwent shoulder surgery in September to repair thoracic outlet syndrome and is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, according to Phillies manager Rob Thomson.

Why it matters

The Phillies' pitching rotation is a major strength of the team, so Wheeler's absence could be a significant blow to their chances early in the season. The team will need to rely more on younger pitchers like Andrew Painter to fill the void left by Wheeler's injury.

The details

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Wheeler is 'doing fine' in his recovery, but the team does not want to rush him back and risk a setback. Wheeler is hopeful to return shortly after the season begins. The Phillies have already lost Ranger Suárez to free agency, so their pitching depth will be tested as Wheeler recovers.

  • Wheeler underwent shoulder surgery in September 2025.
  • Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Wheeler is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day 2026.

The players

Zack Wheeler

The Phillies' ace right-handed starting pitcher who is recovering from shoulder surgery.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Andrew Painter

A young Phillies pitcher expected to step up in Wheeler's absence.

Ranger Suárez

A Phillies pitcher who left the team in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“He's doing fine. We're not going to push him. He's far too important for our club to push him and him have a setback, and then we're behind in April.”

— Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Phillies will monitor Wheeler's recovery and determine a timeline for his return to the rotation. In the meantime, the team will need to rely on its depth to fill the void left by Wheeler's absence.

The takeaway

The Phillies' pitching rotation is a key strength of the team, so Wheeler's injury is a significant concern heading into the 2026 season. The team will need to carefully manage Wheeler's recovery to ensure he returns at full strength, while also finding ways to compensate for his absence in the early part of the season.