With Wheeler sidelined as he continues recovering from shoulder surgery to remove a blood clot last September, the rotation will lean heavily on Cristopher Sánchez and offseason addition Jesús Luzardo. The Phillies believe that duo can stabilize things in the short term, but there’s no denying how much Wheeler’s presence elevates the entire staff.
Everyone within the organization understands the magnitude of his impact. When healthy, Wheeler anchors the rotation, sets the tone in big series, and gives the Phillies a legitimate edge in any matchup. His eventual return is expected to provide a significant emotional and competitive lift.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Wheeler’s recovery continues to trend in the right direction. He recently threw from 120 feet without any setbacks and reported feeling strong. A move to mound work could be imminent, with late April or early May emerging as a realistic return window. If his progress continues smoothly, that timeline could even accelerate.
Had the Phillies known at the conclusion of last season that Wheeler would potentially miss only about six weeks, they likely would have welcomed that scenario. A return in early May would position him perfectly to help fuel another division run and keep Philadelphia in the hunt for a third straight NL East crown.
In the meantime, the team is hopeful that top pitching prospect Andrew Painter can help bridge the gap. Painter’s development could prove crucial during this stretch, giving the Phillies quality innings while Wheeler completes his rehab.
Though Wheeler may be eager to push the pace, the organization is expected to exercise caution and prioritize long-term health over short-term urgency. Still, all signs point upward and if the ace continues progressing without setbacks, his return could come sooner rather than later, providing a major boost to Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.
