Zack Wheeler

Fantasy News

• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Ups throwing distance to 120 feet

  Rotowire Feb 16, 2026

  Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Wheeler (shoulder) extended his throwing distance off flat ground to 120 feet Monday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Thomson acknowledged that he's uncertain when Wheeler will be ready to resume mound work, but the veteran right-hander is continuing to make steady progress in his throwing program after he underwent a procedure in mid-August to remove a blood clot near his shoulder and another surgery Sept. 23 to address venous thoracic outlet syndrome. At this point, the Phillies don't seem to be counting on Wheeler to be ready to go for Opening Day, but the 35-year-old appears on track to avoid an extended stay on the shelf to begin the 2025 campaign. Before being shut down last summer, Wheeler was firmly in the mix for the NL Cy Young Award after going 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 195 strikeouts in 149.2 innings over 24 starts.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Hoping for brief IL stay

  Rotowire Feb 9, 2026

  Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Monday that he doesn't anticipate Wheeler (shoulder) being ready for Opening Day, but he "doesn't think he'll be too far behind that," Paul Casella of MLB.com reports. The declaration largely aligns with previous reports regarding Wheeler's timetable, though Thomson's words are the clearest indication yet that the Phillies don't plan on having the 35-year-old available for Opening Day. Recovering from venous thoracic outlet surgery -- which is the less severe of the two TOS diagnoses -- Wheeler began a throwing program in early December, and his rehab has gone off without a hitch to this point. More clarity on Wheeler's timeline could be available during spring training, but he seems to have a good shot at making his season debut sometime in April.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Slightly behind at start of camp

  Rotowire Jan 21, 2026

  Wheeler (shoulder) will be behind the Phillies' other starting pitchers at the beginning of spring training, but indications are that "he will not be too far behind," Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. Wheeler had an operation in mid-August to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder and then underwent venous thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in late September. He began a throwing program in early December, however, and long-tossed from 90 feet last week as part of what was "a very heavy workload for him," manager Rob Thomson said. While the Phillies have not ruled Wheeler out for Opening Day, it seems a stint on the injured list to begin the season is a real possibility. There's no guarantee Wheeler will regain his pre-surgery form, although venous thoracic outlet syndrome is considered the less severe of the two TOS diagnoses.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Resumes playing catch

  Rotowire Dec 8, 2025

  Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Monday that Wheeler (shoulder) began playing catch last week, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Wheeler underwent surgery in late September to address venous thoracic outlet syndrome, which had been preceded by an operation in mid-August to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder. Venous thoracic outlet syndrome is considered the less severe of the two TOS diagnoses, but Wheeler remains questionable to be ready for Opening Day. A clearer picture of his timetable should be available during spring training.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Surgery set for Sept. 23

  Rotowire Sep 13, 2025

  Wheeler (shoulder) is slated to have thoracic outlet decompression surgery Sept. 23, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports. Wheeler underwent a procedure in mid-August to remove a blood clot near his shoulder, and he's set for a second (and more significant) procedure after being diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome. The veteran hurler is expected to need six to eight months to recover from the upcoming surgery, which means that he may not be ready for Opening Day next season. However, if all goes well moving forward, Wheeler should be able to return to the mound sometime during the first half of the 2026 campaign.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Shifts to 60-day IL

  Rotowire Aug 31, 2025

  The Phillies transferred Wheeler (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday. The transaction was merely a formality, as Wheeler has already been ruled out for the season after recently having a procedure to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder as well as a more significant thoracic outlet decompression surgery. The latter surgery carries an estimated recovery timeline of 6-to-8 months, which could put Wheeler at risk of missing the start of the 2026 season. With Wheeler shifting to the 60-day injured list, the Phillies were able to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for left-hander Tim Mayza (lat), who was claimed off waivers from the Pirates.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Needs season-ending surgery

  Rotowire Aug 23, 2025

  The Phillies announced Saturday that Wheeler (shoulder) will undergo season-ending thoracic outlet decompression surgery, Paul Casella of MLB.com reports. He's expected to face a recovery timeline of 6-to-8 months. Wheeler was placed on the injured list a week ago after doctors discovered a blood clot in his throwing shoulder, which he had removed in a procedure Monday. Since then, he's been diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, which will require a more significant surgery. Given the estimated 6-to-8-month recovery timeline, Wheeler's availability for Opening Day in 2026 now appears to be in doubt. Before being shut down last week, the 35-year-old righty had been a leading candidate for the 2025 NL Cy Young Award, posting a 10-5 record, 2.71 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 195:33 K:BB across 149.2 innings.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Undergoes procedure for blood clot

  Rotowire Aug 18, 2025

  Wheeler (shoulder) underwent a thrombolysis procedure Monday to remove a blood clot in his right upper extremity. According to the Phillies' press release, Wheeler's subsequent treatment plan and timeline to return to game action are yet to be determined. More clarity on the right-hander's situation should be available in the coming days and weeks. With Wheeler sidelined indefinitely, Taijuan Walker will continue to hold down a spot in the Philadelphia rotation as the team's No. 5 starter.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Set for further testing

  Rotowire Aug 17, 2025

  Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Wheeler (blood clot) returned to Philadelphia on Sunday and will undergo further testing Monday, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports. Philadelphia placed Wheeler on the 15-day injured list Saturday, after president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski revealed following the team's 2-0 loss to the Nationals that the right-hander had been diagnosed with a "right, upper extremity blood clot." according to Patrick Stevens of the Associated Press. The Phillies are unlikely to provide further details on Wheeler's situation until a treatment plan for the blood clot is decided upon, but with just six weeks left in the regular season, the 35-year-old righty may not have enough time to make it back on the mound in 2025. Philadelphia had planned to move to a six-man rotation Sunday with Aaron Nola (rib/ankle) making his return from the 60-day IL, but Wheeler's surprise move to the IL a day earlier has prompted the team to scrap those plans.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Goes on IL due to blood clot

  Rotowire Aug 16, 2025

  The Phillies placed Wheeler on the 15-day injured list Saturday after he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder. The issue may partially explain why Wheeler has uncharacteristically struggled of late; over his past six starts, he's posted a 4.54 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, a timetable for the right-hander hurler's return is unclear, and how soon Wheeler is able to throw again likely depends on how the blood clots respond to treatment. The IL stint no doubt damages Wheeler's run at the NL Cy Young Award, as he had been a top contender after registering a 2.71 ERA and 0.94 WHIP along with an MLB-leading 195 strikeouts over 24 starts spanning 149.2 innings.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Labors in no-decision

  Rotowire Aug 15, 2025

  Wheeler did not factor into the decision in Friday's 6-2 win over the Nationals, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks with six strikeouts over five innings. Wheeler needed 97 pitches to complete five innings, marking the first time this season he's failed to work beyond the fifth frame in consecutive starts. The 35-year-old still appears to be shaking off some rust after battling shoulder stiffness, with his velocity down slightly across the board. He owns a 2.71 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and a major-league-leading 195 strikeouts across 149.2 innings and lines up for a home rematch with the Nationals next weekend.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Fans seven in 10th win

  Rotowire Aug 10, 2025

  Wheeler (10-5) earned the win Sunday at Texas, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out seven. The Philadelphia ace looked sharp in this 83-pitch performance after having his start pushed back from Saturday due to shoulder stiffness. Wheeler generated an impressive 19 whiffs, as he notched seven or more Ks for the 19th time out of 23 total starts this season. The only blemish on his line came in the first when Wheeler conceded a 352-foot, two-run long ball to Joc Pederson. The 35-year-old has pitched to a 2.68 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 189:31 K:BB across 144.2 total frames while remaining in pursuit of his first Cy Young Award. Wheeler currently lines up to make his next start at Washington next weekend.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Pushed to Sunday due to shoulder

  Rotowire Aug 6, 2025

  Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Wheeler's next start will be pushed back from Friday to Sunday in Texas while the right-hander manages shoulder stiffness, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. Wheeler felt some stiffness following his most recent start in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Tigers. He was sent for an MRI -- which came back negative -- and the hurler was able to play catch Wednesday. The Phillies don't appear concerned that the shoulder could be a lingering issue for Wheeler, but fantasy managers should nonetheless keep a eye on news pertaining to the 35-year-old leading up to Sunday. Assuming he makes it through his between-starts bullpen session without issue, Wheeler isn't expected to face any restrictions Sunday.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Allows three homers in loss

  Rotowire Aug 2, 2025

  Wheeler (9-5) took the loss against the Tigers on Saturday, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits and no walks with 10 strikeouts over six innings. Wheeler generated 15 whiffs on 98 pitches and turned in a quality start, but he was burned by three home runs and ultimately outdueled by Tarik Skubal. The 35-year-old has now dropped back-to-back starts for the first time this season and has allowed four runs in three of his past four outings, though one was unearned Saturday. He still boasts a stellar 2.64 ERA and 0.92 WHIP while leading all qualified starters with 182 strikeouts across 139.2 innings. Wheeler is slated to face the Rangers on the road next weekend.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Falls to Yankees

  Rotowire Jul 27, 2025

  Wheeler (9-4) took the loss Sunday against the Yankees, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out eight. It's the first time since May 29 that Wheeler's failed to make it through six innings -- the right-hander had worked to a 1.57 ERA in six starts (40 innings) prior to Sunday. Overall, Wheeler's ERA sits at 2.56 with a 0.89 WHIP and 122:20 K:BB across 21 starts (133.2 innings) this year. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week at home against the Tigers.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Piles up 10 more strikeouts

  Rotowire Jul 21, 2025

  Wheeler didn't factor into the decision Monday against the Red Sox, giving up two runs on seven hits and no walks in six innings. He struck out 10. Wheeler registered double-digit strikeouts for the third time in his last four starts, also recording a whopping 22 whiffs in the process. The All-Star right-hander has now thrown at least five innings in each of his first 20 outings of the season and continues to be a workhorse in Philadelphia's rotation, having now reached the century mark in pitches on 12 occasions as well. Wheeler sports a 2.39 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 164:26 K:BB over 128 frames, and his next appearance is slated for this weekend in a tough matchup against the Yankees in the Bronx.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Allows four runs in no-decision

  Rotowire Jul 12, 2025

  Wheeler allowed four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Saturday. Wheeler had given up one run or fewer in five of his previous six starts, posting a 0.68 ERA and 54:7 K:BB across 40 innings in that span. The Padres were able to get some revenge for the eight shutout innings he twirled against them June 30 in Philadelphia. This was also the first time all year Wheeler has given up multiple home runs in a start, as Jackson Merrill took him deep twice. Wheeler still has a superb 2.36 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 154:26 K:BB through 122 innings over 19 starts this season.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: One-hits Cincinnati

  Rotowire Jul 6, 2025

  Wheeler (9-3) earned the win Sunday in a complete game against the Reds, allowing one run on one hit. He struck out 12. It was a dominant performance from Wheeler in his fifth career complete game. The right-hander allowed just one hit, an Austin Hays homer to lead off the fifth inning. Wheeler hasn't allowed an earned run in his last four starts (28 innings) while logging 38 strikeouts in that span. His ERA is down to 2.17 through 18 starts (116 innings) with a stellar 0.84 WHIP and 148 strikeouts. Wheeler is currently scheduled to face the Padres on the road next week in what'll likely be his final outing before the All-Star break.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Pitches well but gets no support

  Rotowire Jun 26, 2025

  Wheeler (7-3) took the loss against Houston on Wednesday, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out eight batters over six innings. Despite walking three batters for the second straight game, Wheeler was very good Wednesday, holding the Astros to only a first-inning run and notching eight punchouts. However, Philadelphia was unable to put any runs on the board, sending Wheeler to his third loss of the campaign. The right-hander did manage to log his fourth straight start allowing one or zero earned runs, and he's posted an excellent 32:7 K:BB over 23 innings during that span. Wheeler's next scheduled start is tentatively slated to be at home against San Diego.

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• Phillies' Zack Wheeler: Returns to form with seven Ks

  Rotowire Jun 9, 2025

  Wheeler didn't factor into the decision Monday against the Cubs after giving up one run on three hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out seven. After allowing a season-high six runs in his last start, Wheeler returned to form with a whopping 17 whiffs against a tough Cubs lineup. Monday represented his eighth quality start in his last nine outings and his 10th such effort this year, and the All-Star right-hander has now fanned at least seven on 10 occasions in 2025. Wheeler boasts a 2.85 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 101:19 K:BB over 82 innings, and he's currently lined up to face the Blue Jays at home this weekend.

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