"Wheeler threw only fastballs and sinkers at about 85 percent effort, which is normal for any pitcher's first bullpen session following an injury layoff. Everything went well enough that Wheeler is slated for another bullpen on Sunday, as for now, the right-hander is on a standard ramp-up plan."
"TOS surgeries and their associated recovery periods are, as Thomson put it, 'new stuff, and it's different than a lot of other injuries. So, we really can't pin it down to a day or a week.' It is still early enough in the process that neither Wheeler or the team is putting any kind of timeline on when the three-time All-Star could potentially make his return."
"The Phillies surely aren't going to rush Wheeler's process, of course, since simply having him back pitching isn't nearly as important as having him back in good form, both health-wise and results-wise. It is anyone's guess as to whether or not Wheeler will able to recapture his superstar level of production immediately or even at all."
Zack Wheeler threw his first bullpen session since undergoing thoracic outlet surgery in September, completing 21 pitches of fastballs and sinkers at 85 percent effort. Manager Rob Thomson confirmed Wheeler is following a standard ramp-up plan with another bullpen scheduled for Sunday. No specific return timeline has been established, as thoracic outlet syndrome recoveries are unpredictable and differ from typical injuries. Wheeler received a 6-8 month recovery window and may pitch in Spring Training games before the season begins. The Phillies are prioritizing Wheeler's full recovery over rushing his return, though early optimism suggests he could return in early April. The team remains cautious about whether Wheeler will immediately regain his superstar performance level.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]