The Philadelphia Phillies rotation headed into the 2026 season is not as strong as projected due to an injury to starting pitcher Zack Wheeler to begin the season. At full health, the Phillies feature a strong rotation which includes 2025 All-Star Christopher Sanchez, Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo and Wheeler.
Wheeler pitched admirably in 2025, putting up a 10-5 record, 2.71 ERA, 24 games started and 195 strikeouts in 149 and 2/3 innings pitched. Fortunately for Wheeler, he's making progress towards a return back to the starting rotation after opening the season on the 15-day injured list.
Wheeler will begin a rehab assignment on Saturday at Triple-A and pitch three innings. This will likely come as the first of several rehab outings until the Phillies feel he is ready to enter the rotation once fully healthy (h/t Todd Zolecki, MLB.com).
Wheeler was diagnosed with a serious injury involving a blood clot in his throwing shoulder, venous thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) during August 2025. He underwent surgery and missed the rest of the 2025 season and will miss the beginning of 2026.
Wheeler has recently begun throwing bullpen sessions with one coming in a simulated game on Monday where he threw 29 pitches. He will look to get back to game speed throughout his rehab starts so he can help the Phillies reach the post season again.
Wheeler was drafted in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants and didn't make his debut until 2013 with the New York Mets. He spent his first five seasons with New York and the past six with the Phillies.
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After back-to-back solid seasons with the Mets, Wheeler signed a five-year 118 million contact with the Phillies which payed off. He then resigned with the Phillies in March 2024 to a three-year $126 million contract.
In his Phillies career, he owns a 69-37 record with an ERA of 2.91 and 1,094 strikeouts in 157 appearances. It has been a very successful tenure as he was also named an All-Star three times in 2021, 2024 and 2025.
Wheeler being healthy will heavily impact the Phillies playoff hopes as his presence strengthens the starting rotation with his high-end pitching arsenal. He is one of the best starters in baseball and has the ability to dominate games pitched when he is in a groove.
