The Philadelphia Phillies have made a lot of moves to bolster their roster this offseason and it’s led to a lot of excitement buzzing around the City of Brotherly Love.
The Phillies have most of their roster back from last season, but they’ve made small upgrades in the outfield. Their pitching rotation is very talented, but its depth is bound to be tested early on.
Phillies ace Zack Wheeler underwent shoulder surgery to repair thoracic outlet syndrome in September. While he’s been trending in the right direction, the Phillies haven’t yet been given a definitive answer about when he will return to the big league mound.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged that Wheeler isn’t likely going to be ready for opening day. Thomson also suggested the star righty is hopeful to return shortly after the season begins.
“He’s doing fine,” Thomson said, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. “We’re not going to push him. He’s far too important for our club to push him and him have a setback, and then we’re behind in April.”
Assuming Wheeler misses time, the Phillies’ depth is going to be tested. They’ve already lost Ranger Suárez to free agency. Andrew Painter is expected to step up for the Phillies, but he hasn’t looked the same since undergoing surgery a few years ago. Still, Painter should be a star in Philadelphia.
Either way, this is a significant update for the Phillies. They’re only at full strength when Wheeler is at his best. Given the fact that he’s likely to miss opening day, it could take him a while to get up to speed on the season.
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