Phillies Ace Zack Wheeler Unlikely to Start Opening Day

Reigning NL Cy Young runner-up Cristopher Sánchez expected to get the nod instead.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that ace pitcher Zack Wheeler is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2026 MLB season. Wheeler is continuing his recovery from thoracic outlet decompression surgery performed in September 2025. Manager Rob Thomson stated that while Wheeler is progressing well, he does not expect the right-hander to be ready by Opening Day on March 26. In Wheeler's absence, Cristopher Sánchez, the reigning National League Cy Young runner-up, is expected to get the nod as the Phillies' Opening Day starter.

Why it matters

Zack Wheeler has been the Phillies' Opening Day starter for the past two seasons and is a vital part of their starting rotation. His absence to start the 2026 campaign is a significant blow, though the emergence of Sánchez and other young arms like Jesús Luzardo and Andrew Painter provide the team with rotation depth to weather Wheeler's recovery period.

The details

Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet decompression surgery on September 23, 2025. The expected timeline for recovery is 6-8 months, putting his return anywhere from late March to late May. Wheeler recently threw a session that went "very good," according to Thomson, but the team does not want to rush the 35-year-old back. In Wheeler's absence, Sánchez is expected to get the Opening Day start, with the rotation also likely including Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and top pitching prospect Painter.

  • Wheeler underwent surgery on September 23, 2025.
  • The expected recovery timeline is 6-8 months, putting his return between late March and late May 2026.
  • The Phillies open the 2026 season on March 26.

The players

Zack Wheeler

The Phillies' ace pitcher who is continuing his recovery from thoracic outlet decompression surgery performed in September 2025.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Cristopher Sánchez

The reigning National League Cy Young runner-up, who is expected to start Opening Day in Wheeler's absence.

Jesús Luzardo

A member of the Phillies' starting rotation.

Aaron Nola

A member of the Phillies' starting rotation.

Taijuan Walker

A member of the Phillies' starting rotation.

Andrew Painter

The Phillies' top pitching prospect, who is expected to compete for a rotation spot.

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What they’re saying

“He's doing well; I don't think he'll be ready for Opening Day, but it's not going to be too far behind that.”

— Rob Thomson, Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

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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.