CLEARWATER, Fla. — Zack Wheeler likely won't be ready for Opening Day, but the Phillies' ace continues to make progress in his return from both a blood clot and thoracic outlet syndrome.
While Andrew Painter threw a bullpen and Bryce Harper took living batting practice, perhaps the most important development was Wheeler throwing up to 120 feet for the first time. According to Rob Thomson, it was a "very good" day for the three-time All-Star.
Thomson said that Wheeler is "getting there," but doesn't have an exact date on when he will get on a mound.
Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet decompression surgery on Sept. 23, and at that time he was given a six-to-eight month recovery timeline. By all accounts, he's trending more towards the front of that timeline, though there are still additional hurdles that need to be cleared.
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Thomson was asked about his message to the team ahead of the first full-squad workout, and said it largely focused on health.
" I don't think a Knute Rockne speech right now would really hit home to anybody. And I'd hate to talk about health and then do a Knute Rockne speech and then they all run out there and get hurt. We're just trying to keep everybody under control."
Brandon Marsh did some glove work and played catch Monday, but wasn't a full participant because he cut his foot recently. Thomson said the cut took place off the field, but added that he wouldn't be surprised if Marsh was back hitting as soon as Tuesday.
Thomson seemed very impressed with left-handed reliever Kyle Backhus, calling him "really interesting." He pointed to how good of a pitch his slider is against left-handed batters. Backhus was acquired in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks in December. If the Phillies carry three left-handed relievers to begin the season, the 28-year-old could be a candidate to join José Alvarado and Tanner Banks, although he does have three remaining minor-league options.
Tim Kelly is the Managing Editor for On Pattison. He's been on the Phillies beat since 2020. Kelly is also on Bleacher Report's MLB staff. Previously, Kelly has worked for Phillies Nation, Audacy Sports, SportsRadio 94 WIP, Just Baseball, FanSided, Locked On and Sports Illustrated/FanNation. Kelly is a graduate of Bloomsburg University with a major in Mass Communications and minor in Political Science.
