Phillies' ace Wheeler takes significant step in recovery, first bullpen session shows promising velocity and feel

Philadelphia Phillies ace starting pitcher Zack Wheeler's rehabilitation process has taken another step forward.

Today at BayCare Ballpark, Wheeler completed his first bullpen session since undergoing thoracic outlet decompression surgery on September 23, primarily throwing four-seam fastballs and sinkers over 21 pitches.

"The velocity was good, the shape was good," said Phillies manager Rob Thomson after the team's 7-3 spring training win over the Washington Nationals. "The ball was coming out of his hand well. We'll see how he feels tomorrow, check in with him, and then make a plan from there."

Wheeler will definitely not be ready for Opening Day, a possibility the team ruled out weeks ago. But when asked if Wheeler could be ready for major league games in six weeks, Thomson said, "It's possible."

However, "possible" does not mean highly probable. Wheeler's return timeline is fluid, and the team will not rush him back, as his health is of paramount importance.

"It's all going to depend on how he feels and how he recovers," Thomson said. "This is a new injury, different from a lot of others. You can't pinpoint it to a specific week or day."

"I'm already ruled out for Opening Day, so there's no need to push for a return just one week later," Wheeler said weeks ago. "He wants to come back, but at the same time, he doesn't want to rush it."

For Wheeler, late April to early May might be a more realistic window. He may not even pitch in a spring training or minor league game before the team leaves its Florida spring training base on March 23.

"I think it's possible," Thomson said when asked if Wheeler would pitch before the team departs.

But the team isn't counting on it?

"I hope he pitches," he said.

Thomson noted that Wheeler typically throws four to five bullpen sessions before spring training each year. "But he wasn't injured for those," Thomson reminded.

Early in spring training, healthy pitchers usually have two days off between bullpen sessions. If that schedule applies to Wheeler, his next session could be next Monday.

"But I can't answer that because it's different this time," Thomson said.

Setting aside various timeline predictions, the most important thing is that Wheeler's rehabilitation is progressing smoothly.

"He's worked extremely hard," Thomson said. "That's the key. His offseason training was more intense than ever. That's a really good sign. He's strong, his shoulder is stronger than ever. So, feeling really good about that... I tell you, it's very encouraging."