Injury updates: Zack Wheeler to take big step in rehab
Phillies Injury Updates
- RHP Zack Wheeler (thoracic outlet syndrome)
- Status: Will miss Opening Day
- Phillies starter Zack Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet syndrome decompression surgery in September 2025. He has not pitched in a game since Aug. 15. His venous TOS diagnosis was announced on Aug. 23. Wheeler did not pitch in the 2025 postseason.
- Wheeler will throw his first live batting practice session on Saturday, March 14, per Jayson Stark of The Athletic. Wheeler will throw 20 pitches in the first session. If it all goes well, the next step is to throw a two-inning live BP session in the next few days. Wheeler will almost certainly open the season on the 15-day injured list, but may not miss much time after his minimum stay is up. – Last updated on March 14 by Destiny Lugardo
- RHP Orion Kerkering (right hamstring strain)
- Status: Has not yet pitched in the Grapefruit League
- Kerkering suffered a mild Grade 1 hamstring strain in a bullpen session before the official start of camp.
- Kerkering will throw a live batting practice session on Saturday, March 14, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Manager Rob Thomson said that Kerkering “possibly” may have enough time to ramp up to be ready to go for Opening Day. — Last updated on March 14 by Destiny Lugardo
- INF Aidan Miller (low back soreness)
- Status: Could miss start of the minor league season
- Aidan Miller has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut in 2026.
- Miller has not swung a bat in two weeks, Thomson told reporters in Clearwater, including Grace Del Pizzo of On Pattison, on Saturday, March 7. Miller traveled to Philadelphia on Friday, March 6 to visit with team doctors. Thomson also said on March 6 that Miller could potentially miss the opening game of the minor league season. – Last updated on March 8 by Destiny Lugardo
- OF Gabriel Rincones Jr. (knee soreness)
- Status: Grapefruit League debut delayed
- Phillies outfield prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. is dealing with soreness in both knees, particularly the left knee. He has not yet played in a Grapefruit League game. Rincones was optioned to minor league camp on March 7. — Last updated on March 14 by Destiny Lugardo