Zack Wheeler threw off a mound. Rejoice!

The Phillies’ starting rotation has been the backbone of their climb to back to back National League East titles. When Zack Wheeler went down last year to an unexpected surgery, it made his 2026 season look dire. Now, we’re even closer to his returning in full.

Zack Wheeler threw off a mound Thursday, a huge step in his recovery from thoracic outlet surgery in his right side. The team thought it was the right time, so they let him go.

“The velo was good, the ball flight was good,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said following a 7-3 Grapefruit League victory over the Nationals. “He hit the glove. It was good. He felt great. We’ll check him tomorrow, find out how he’s feeling and get a plan going moving forward.”

Wheeler throwing off the mound makes one possibly think that maybe he can be ready earlier than usual, but let’s pump the brakes a bit.

But asked if Wheeler could be ready for big league games in six weeks, Thomson said, “Possibly.”

Possibly doesn’t mean likely, however. Wheeler’s timeline is fluid. They will not rush him back.

His health is too important.

“It all depends on how he feels and how he recovers,” Thomson said. “It’s new stuff, and it’s different from a lot of other injuries. You can’t pin it down to a week or a day, really.”

Still, it’s good to hear that he has taken this step. Now, the strength building can begin.