"The Phillies have been without ace right-hander Zack Wheeler in their rotation since August 15, and late last month it was announced that he had been recommended for surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome. Today, the Phillies revealed to reporters (including Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic) that Wheeler is set to go under the knife on September 23. At the time of the club's original announcement about Wheeler needing surgery, it was suggested that the procedure typically came with a 6-8 month recovery timeline."
"Assuming that holds true, Wheeler going under the knife later this month would mean that he could return to the Phillies's rotation sometime in the first half of 2026. A best case scenario would seem to suggest that he'd miss the first few weeks of the regular season, with the longer end of that projected timeline getting Wheeler back on the mound a couple of weeks before the All-Star break."
Zack Wheeler is scheduled for thoracic outlet syndrome surgery on September 23 and faces a typical 6–8 month recovery, which would likely place his return to the Phillies' rotation in the first half of 2026. A best-case return could miss only the first few regular-season weeks; a longer recovery might bring him back a couple of weeks before the All-Star break. Recovery timelines remain hypothetical until the procedure occurs and could change due to setbacks. Wheeler is the unquestioned ace; his return is important as Ranger Suarez faces free agency and struggles, while Cristopher Sanchez's emergence helps cover the rotation. Jordan Romano has been sidelined since August 26 with a finger issue.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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