Phillies ace Zack Wheeler takes important step in post-surgery buildup

Phillies ace Zack Wheeler takes important step in post-surgery buildup originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Five months after having surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome, Phillies ace Zack Wheeler threw his first bullpen session Thursday.

Twenty-one pitches.

All fastballs.

All good.

Wheeler still has weeks to go before he’s ready to pitch in a big-league game – he won’t be ready for opening day – but this was an important step, nonetheless.

“It was very good,” manager Rob Thomson said. “He’s been recovering pretty well. A couple days ago, we identified today as possibly the day. He came in, he felt good, so we went after it. The velo was good, the ball flight was good. Just four-seamers and two-seamers. He hit the glove. It was good. He felt great.”

Depending on how Wheeler feels Friday, he could throw another bullpen session as soon as Saturday. It’s still going to be a methodical buildup for the right-hander. If all goes well, he could get some work in a minor-league game before the Phillies break camp March 23. Everything is dependent on how Wheeler feels physically from day to day. Late April to early May still seems like a general timetable for his return to the big-league rotation.

“He’s worked awfully hard,” Thomson said. “He worked harder than ever in the off-season. He’s strong. His shoulder is stronger than it’s ever been and we feel really good about that.”

In other injury news, infield prospect Aidan Miller continues to be sidelined with lower back soreness. He is not doing baseball activities and has yet to play in a Grapefruit League game.

“He’s getting a little better every day,” Thomson said.

PITCHING PLANS

Aaron Nola will make his first Grapefruit League start Friday afternoon in Clearwater against Miami. Cristopher Sanchez will start Saturday against Toronto in Dunedin. Andrew Painter will pitch against the Yankees in Clearwater on Sunday.

Former Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino is in camp as a guest instructor. He was a popular interview subject Thursday.