Zack Wheeler faced hitters for the first time since August as recovery timeline comes into focus

Zack Wheeler threw live batting practice at BayCare Ballpark on Saturday morning. It was the first time he had faced hitters since August 15 in Washington, his final start before doctors discovered a blood clot near his right shoulder that led to thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September.

They removed the first rib near his right shoulder. It has been a long road back.

Zack Wheeler threw about 20 pitches to Otto Kemp, Rafael Marchán, and Garrett Stubbs. He threw everything except his slider, which he barely throws anyway. He said he heard his fastball was sitting around 93 mph. For a first live BP session coming back from this kind of surgery, that is an encouraging number.

Zack Wheeler Live Batting Practice on Saturday Morning:

Zack Wheeler checked another box today in his rehab process, facing hitters in a live batting practice session for the first time since TOS surgery. pic.twitter.com/WkUOiI4RiW

— Lochlahn March (@lochlahn) March 14, 2026

Zack Wheeler’s return timeline starting to take shape…

When Wheeler threw his first bullpen session on February 26, Rob Thomson said it could be considered the start of a typical six-week spring training ramp-up. Six weeks from February 26 is April 9.

He will throw at least one more live BP, likely a simulated two-inning session, before taking the next step of pitching in an actual game. It would not be surprising to see him face minor leaguers at the Carpenter Complex before the Phillies break camp on March 23.

Whether Zack Wheeler is ready to contribute in the first weeks of the season or needs a few more weeks after Opening Day remains unclear.

Saturday was a real step and the fact that he is throwing in the low 90s without issue this early in the process is exactly what the Phillies needed to see.

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