There’s been plenty of focus on the health of Zack Wheeler as the Philadelphia Phillies get going in Spring Training, and a recent update from The Atletic’s Charlotte Varnes showed where things currently stand for the right-hander.
At this stage of camp, Wheeler’s work is centered on trying to get his feet under him again and staying healthy. While his season-ending injury last year isn’t something that will likely be an issue from playing baseball, it was a major injury, and something Wheeler and the Phillies need to be careful with.
“Right now, that work includes ensuring his arm is in the right position during the throwing motion and that his throwing is in sync,” Varnes wrote. “If this were a normal spring, Wheeler said he likely would have already been on the mound a few times. But it’s unclear when he will return to the mound, as he’s awaiting medical clearance to do so. Much hinges on his arm strength. As of now, he’s throwing up to 90 feet.”
Manager Rob Thomson provided additional context on what the next checkpoint looks like before Wheeler advances to throwing on the mound.
“The next goal, Phillies manager Thomson said, is having Wheeler throw to 105 feet. Getting on the mound would come after that.”
Thomson even saying that Wheeler can throw from 105 feet soon enough and get on the mound after that is a very encouraging sign heading into the remainder of spring.
Once Wheeler can comfortably reach certain distances with no discomfort, the good stuff follows. It’s a good thing that Wheeler is doing what he’s doing right now, but the bigger focus is him eventually getting on the mound and being one of the top starters in Major League Baseball. Per Varnes, the Phillies and Wheeler both believe he can return to that level.
“The Phillies are optimistic Wheeler will return soon, and return to form. He feels the same way. Although he’d like to pitch as soon as possible, Wheeler wants to take his recovery step by step.”
The veteran will have some stuff to work on this spring and it’s even possible that it’ll take longer than that. As long as he’s healthy, I think he should be in a good spot to do what he’s done for much of his career.
“Just take it day by day, things as they come and go,” Wheeler said. “Just trying to hit my checkmarks that me and (Phillies head athletic trainer) Paul (Buchheit) have come up with. So far, so good with that.”