Zack Wheeler will not be ready for Opening Day with the Phillies
Philadelphia. Philadelphia Phillies’ star opener Zack Wheeler will not be available to start the regular season, according to manager Rob Thomson. The pitcher is in the process of recovering after undergoing decompression surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome on September 23rd.
Although the possibility of Wheeler being present on Opening Day was always remote, this is the first time the manager has practically ruled out his participation. “He’s progressing well; I don’t think he’ll be ready for Opening Day, but it won’t be long after that,” Thomson said.
The estimated recovery time for this type of surgical intervention varies between six and eight months, which suggests that his return could be between the end of March and the end of May. Wheeler already had a pitching session last weekend and, according to the coaching staff, had a positive response.
The organization remains hopeful that the right-hander can rejoin the team as soon as possible, but they have no intention of rushing his return, given his importance in the rotation and his experience as the Opening Day starter in the previous two campaigns.
Cristopher Sánchez, the main candidate to open
Given Wheeler’s absence, Cristopher Sánchez is emerging as the leading candidate to pitch on March 26, when the Phillies host the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park.
Sánchez, who finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting, would lead a rotation that would also include Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and promising prospect Andrew Painter.
The Phillies are relying on the depth of their pitching staff while awaiting the return of their ace from the mound.
