Zack Wheeler “feels no pain” as recovery from surgery progresses smoothly

Zack Wheeler, who underwent thoracic outlet decompression surgery last month, is recovering ahead of schedule and reportedly “feels no pain,” according to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.

Speaking on Foul Territory, Dombrowski said he recently met with Wheeler at Citizens Bank Park, where the ace will spend the winter rehabbing.

Dave Dombrowski on Zack Wheeler

Dave Dombrowski says the team isn't anticipating any setbacks with Zack Wheeler.

"We're hopeful it'll [his return] be on the front end, which would even get him ready for Opening Day, but right now he's doing very good." pic.twitter.com/N33Z9ZHmSO

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 23, 2025

According to Dombrowski, Wheeler is progressing great and “feels no pain” which definitely clears things up. The Phillies are not anticipating any setbacks, not expecting this to occur once again.

That’s about as positive of an update as you could ask for after a major surgery.

Zack Wheeler’s initial recovery timeline was six to eight months, putting his potential return anywhere between Opening Day and early summer.

Dombrowski noted that Wheeler’s elite athleticism and conditioning could help him hit the earlier end of that window.

Zack Wheeler’s Recovery Impact on Phillies Rotation

If Wheeler is ready to go by late March, the Phillies’ rotation remains one of the best in baseball. A healthy Wheeler alongside Aaron Nola, Jesús Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, and Cristopher Sánchez would give Philadelphia plenty of stability.

If his recovery takes longer, top prospect Andrew Painter could be ready to fill in by April or May after his own injury rehab.

Free Agent Factor

The Phillies would love to re-sign Ranger Suárez, but that might prove difficult depending on what happens with Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, both of whom are also free agents.

Re-signing all three could strain the payroll beyond what Dombrowski wants to commit.

For now, the focus remains on Wheeler’s health and the news couldn’t be better. The Phillies’ ace is pain-free, optimistic, and trending in the right direction. If that continues, the club could have its workhorse back on the mound when the 2026 season begins.

Here’s everything you need to know as the Phillies begin to shape their 2026 roster

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