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The Philadelphia Phillies, late in the year in 2025, got some terrible news that Zack Wheeler was dealing with a blood clot and had to get surgery. He missed the rest of the year and is now going to miss part of the 2026 season.
But, just how much of 2026 is Wheeler going to miss? There have been some reports that have indicated a lengthy absence, while others hinted at a quick return.
In a recent report on MLB Network, Phillies insider for The Athletic Matt Gelb revealed some very encouraging news on Wheeler's recovery and timeline. The Phillies might get their ace back sooner than they thought.
Phillies have 'optimism' for Zack Wheeler's return
"I think there's been a lot of optimism among the Phillies about how he's progressed," Gelb said. "I think it's going to be closer to April 1st than to June 1st."
“I think there's been a lot of optimism among the Phillies about how he's progressed... I think it's going to be closer to April 1 than to June 1.”@MattGelb discusses Zack Wheeler's return to the mound from thoracic outlet syndrome and the state of the Phillies' outfield. pic.twitter.com/MAEhFDZ1rU
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 30, 2026This is some very welcome news for the Phillies and for Wheeler, especially. Not only is the optimism a good sign, but hearing that he could return sooner rather than later is a sigh of relief.
There's still a lot of time left for Wheeler to recover and hurdles he needs to clear. But Gelb's update is some good news for the Phillies.
Wheeler, the 35-year-old ace who's under contract through 2027 on a $126 million deal, is likely to retire after the 2027 season. So getting him back for as much of the next two seasons as possible would be great news for the Phillies.
He's coming off an impressive season, posting a 2.71 ERA across 24 starts before he was forced to miss the rest of the season.
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Wheeler been one of the best pitchers in baseball since signing with the Phillies back in 2020, posting a 2.91 ERA with 1,094 strikeouts in 157 starts across the last six seasons.
Getting Wheeler back closer to April 1st than to June 1st would be some huge news for the Phillies. That means he's most likely to return in April than in May, which would be just a few starts that he misses to begin the year.
Along with Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijaun Walker, and potentially Andrew Painter, Wheeler could help make the Phillies' rotation the best in baseball with his return.
This report from Gelb should give Phillies fans, as he put it, optimism that Wheeler can come back sooner rather than later this season.
Nothing is certain yet, as it's still early. But, with where things are right now, and how they're trending, the Phillies and Wheeler are in a good spot.
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