Matt Gelb reported on X (@mattgelb) how the rotation will be lined up. “Phillies will go Sánchez, Nola, Luzardo, Walker, Painter to begin the season.” Now the focus shifts to analyzing the numbers of each pitcher and how strong this group can be without Wheeler.

Last season, Wheeler started three games in April for the Phillies, and the team won two of those. In May, he was again a key factor, helping the Phillies win four of the five games he started. Not having him for the first two months of the season will be a challenge, but the team believes it has the arms to fill that gap.

Phillies rotation numbers

Cristopher Sánchez also had a strong April last season, winning three games and losing just one. He finished the year with what stands as his best performance so far, posting a 2.50 ERA and a 13-5 record. He made 32 starts, one more than in 2024, which had already been considered one of his best seasons.

Aaron Nola, who recently pitched for Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, is another arm expected to help offset Wheeler’s absence. Last season he started the third game of the year, but the Phillies lost to the Washington Nationals. It was a tough year overall for him, finishing with a 5-10 record, but there is expectation of a bounce back in 2026.

Jesús Luzardo is clearly one of the most important pitchers on the staff. He finished last season with a 3.92 ERA and a 15-7 record, his best numbers so far with the Phillies. His top years overall came earlier, with a 3.32 ERA in 2022 and a 3.58 ERA in 2023 while pitching for the Miami Marlins. His projection for 2026 is at least an 11-8 record with a 4.04 ERA, according to Baseball Reference.

Taijuan Walker, a 13-year MLB veteran and now in his third season with Philadelphia, is expected to improve in 2026. Last year was not his best, finishing 5-8 with a 4.08 ERA, but he still contributed across 34 games. Andrew Painter is expected not only to make his debut, but to quickly adjust as part of the rotation, with a projected 3.52 ERA for the 2026 season.

“If I’m ready to go, I’m ready to go,” Wheeler said. “I don’t think I have any problem when October comes usually. So, I don’t think this year is different than any other year, trying to preserve,” the Phillies’ ace said confidently.

It remains unclear when Wheeler will make his spring training debut. “Wheeler said he doesn’t know if he will pitch in a Grapefruit League game or a Minor League game before the end of camp on March 23,” Todd Zolecki wrote for MLB.com.

When could Wheeler be ready for the regular season?

In his recent article for MLB.com, Zolecki noted that Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Wheeler is following a specialized throwing program that could ultimately set him up for a return early in the regular season, though no exact date has been confirmed.

“Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Wheeler’s bullpen on Thursday could mark the beginning of a six-week ramp-up to ‘possibly’ make him big league game-ready by the end of it. Asked about that six-week ramp-up, Wheeler said, ‘That’s what it looks like.’ Six weeks from Thursday is April 9. It doesn’t mean it will happen, of course. Wheeler has a long way to go,” Zolecki wrote.

Last season, Wheeler made 24 starts, slightly fewer than usual, but still posted a 10-5 record with a 2.71 ERA. He has not had a losing season since 2017, underscoring why the Phillies are counting on him once again.

“Wheeler said he threw at 80-85 percent effort in his 21-pitch bullpen session on Thursday, throwing four-seam and two-seam fastballs. ‘I felt good, I felt smooth, natural,’ he said,” Zolecki reported on the 35-year-old right-hander.

Long-term deals handed out in recent seasons continue to define the financial landscape. From franchise cornerstones to high-profile free-agent signings, the top salaries reflect both ambition and urgency in a competitive National League.

In a market that demands October baseball, spending is rarely quiet. The Phillies’ highest-paid players in 2026 offer a snapshot of strategy, risk and star power—all tied to the pressure that comes with a heavyweight MLB payroll.

Who are the highest-paid Phillies in 2026?

As the 2026 season shapes up, the Philadelphia Phillies carry one of the heftier payrolls and a handful of star contracts dominate the ledger. According to Spotrac and payroll trackers, Zack Wheeler sits atop the list with a $42 million salary.

This makes him not just the Phillies’ highest-paid player but one of baseball’s most compensated starters this year. Behind his earnings are the bats and gloves that have defined the Phillies’ identity in recent seasons.

Wheels turn to Kyle Schwarber, whose new long-term contract pays him about $30 million in 2026 as one of the game’s premier designated hitters. Not far behind are middle infield dynamo Trea Turner with $27.2 million and perennial face of the franchise Bryce Harper with $25.3 million.

Rounding out the top five is veteran right-hander Aaron Nola, whose $24-plus million salary reflects a long-term commitment from Philadelphia to its rotation alongside Wheeler. Together, these contracts illustrate where they placed their financial chips.

Thomson recently delivered a painful truth about Zack Wheeler’s status, but now an encouraging update on his recovery process has emerged. Wheeler has been actively involved in practice, throwing from a distance of 120 feet and completing a bullpen session on flat ground.

Despite these optimistic signs, the exact timeline for Wheeler’s return to competitive pitching remains uncertain. However, with his progress and response to training, there is hope that he will return to full health without complications at some point during the regular season.

As the Phillies continue to shape their roster for Opening Day next month, the organization made headlines by signing a promising 11-year-old prospect to a deal worth up to $1.8 million following the release of Nick Castellanos. This move underscores the team’s commitment to building for the future.

Projected lineup for Opening Day without Wheeler

With Opening Day just weeks away, the Phillies are actively finalizing their lineup for the inaugural game of the regular season against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Philadelphia fanbase is eager to see stars like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper take the field, among others.

1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Kyle Schwarber, DH
3. Bryce Harper, 1B
4. Alec Bohm, 3B
5. Brandon Marsh, LF
6. Adolis García, RF
7. Bryson Stott, 2B
8. J.T. Realmuto, C
9. Justin Crawford, CF

As the Phillies approach spring training, changes to the projected lineup are anticipated. Despite the uncertainties, there is growing excitement about the team’s potential performance in the upcoming season.

“Zack Wheeler likely won’t be ready for Opening Day, but they’re hopeful he’ll be back shortly after,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said, according to Bob Nightengale in a post on X.

At the very least, Thomson also revealed that Wheeler is in much better shape health-wise. Paul Casella reported on X that “[Thomson] says all is going well with Wheeler’s rehab to this point,” although no specific details were given about the pitcher’s current condition.

Wheeler is already throwing

Another key detail Thomson shared is that Wheeler has already begun throwing. “He threw on Saturday, they said it was very good,” the manager said. That update should provide some optimism for Phillies fans who are eager to see Wheeler back on the mound.

Thomson did not personally watch Wheeler throw, but he trusts what the coaching staff relayed about the starter’s recent work. Beyond just throwing, the manager emphasized that everything will depend on Wheeler’s strength, and that doctors and the medical staff will ultimately decide when he will be cleared to pitch again.

Last season, despite being limited to just 24 games, Wheeler posted a 2.71 ERA with a 10–5 record. It was another strong year for him, as he has maintained an elite level since 2024, when he recorded a 2.57 ERA across 32 starts. Wheeler is scheduled to earn $42 million in 2026 and still has one additional season remaining on his contract.

Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai followed Phillies star Zack Wheeler on Instagram. Needless to say, these moves are made in bunch, but fanbases are not ones to take this things calmly. Now, the Phillies could be looking to land the ace from overseas.

Imai is one of the best pitchers yet to be in the MLB and many teams are looking to land its services. Imai also follows Gerrit Cole of the Yankees, Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Padres, and Paul Skenes of the Pirates. Now, the Pirates and Padres are not likely to spend big and the Yankees are not eager to do so either. Hence, the Phillies should have a realistic chance to land Imai.

There is one clear team that won’t land Imai

About three weeks ago, Tatsuya Imai dropped a quote that shocked the MLB world. If there is a team that lands all the top Japanese talents, it’s the Dodgers. However, Imai has no interest whatsoever in joining the Dodgers.

Instead of joining them, Imai said he would like to “take them down.” That’s a war declaration that states how Imai’s mentality is one of his biggest traits. He has the Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady mentality. Instead of joining the juggernaut, he wants to take down the powerhouse.

Are the Phillies ready to take down the Dodgers?

If that’s the mission of Imai, then the Phillies must give him the chance to beat the Dodgers. The Phillies were 96-66 the last season and won the NL East. They actually had a better record than the Dodgers.

As a matter of fact, they had the second-most wins in the MLB regular season. However, the Dodgers won the NLDS series 3-1 against the Phillies, which gives more motivation to Philadelphia to land Imai. He could be the difference factor.

Wheeler‘s question to Sánchez was straightforward. “He asked me if I was ready,” Sánchez recalled, and his answer was, “I said, of course I am.” The exchange served as a kind of mental test from the Phillies ace to his teammate.

Sánchez also revealed that Wheeler could not hide his excitement for him. “He was here yesterday, actually, and we talked about a lot of things,” Sánchez said. “He was really excited. He shared that he was excited for myself and for everything that’s been going on with my career recently.”

How has Sanchez performed in his previous postseason games?

It’s worth noting that between 2023 and 2024, Sanchez has only made two postseason starts for the Phillies. One was a loss to the Diamondbacks, where he allowed two runs—just one earned—over 2.1 innings. His most recent playoff appearance was with the Phillies in a 7-6 victory, where he gave up only two runs across five innings.

Sanchez’s postseason history is short, but he’s been sharp in recent regular seasons, posting a 13-5 record with a 2.50 ERA—his best ERA mark and most starts in a single season with 32.

“The Dodgers will face Christopher Sanchez, the starting pitcher for the Phillies in Game 1. He has a 4.01 ERA against LA in four appearances, and he also gave up 13 runs (8 earned) in 12.2 innings this season against us [Dodgers],” DodgersMuse reported on X.

Matt Strahm, an outstanding performer on the mound for the Phillies this season, reached 51.1 innings pitched. This milestone triggers a key clause in his contract, enhancing his Club Option for next year to $6.5 million once he surpasses 50 innings in a season.

Following his weekend accomplishment, Strahm is a player the Phillies will need to assess carefully. His impressive performance over 55 appearances, none as a starter, makes him a candidate for the activation of his club option next year.

Despite Wheeler‘s recent injury, the Phillies boast a strong pitching roster, including Jose Alvarado and David Robertson. Strahm stands out as a valuable asset for the remainder of the season, prompting the front office to deliberate on his future with the franchise.

Strahm positioned for further contract incentives

As Strahm embarks on his third year with the Phillies, his contract’s initial milestone has been surpassed, leaving ample games on the schedule. He now has the opportunity to secure additional financial incentives and extend his contract into 2026.

If Strahm reaches 60 innings pitched this season, he becomes eligible for a 1-year, $7.5 million deal in 2026. This agreement reflects mutual confidence between the player and the franchise, acknowledging his deserving contribution.

Analyzing strahm’s Phillies tenure

Strahm has consistently demonstrated top-tier performances with the Phillies. Last year, he earned a spot in the All-Star game thanks to his outstanding early-season performance. Although he didn’t replicate that feat this year, his statistics remain impressive.

Over 55 games and 51.1 innings, Strahm allowed just 41 hits, conceded 20 runs, and surrendered 5 home runs. He also notched 59 strikeouts with a 3.16 ERA, earning recognition as a top pitcher on the team. Strahm now aims to achieve further contract milestones and capture his first World Series title.

The team reported that Wheeler will require surgery to address the condition, sending shockwaves through Philadelphia. Despite the Phillies’ strong performance in the regular season, Wheeler’s absence raises concerns among teammates and fans about the duration of his recovery.

Initially considered a minor issue, Wheeler’s condition was confirmed to be more serious. According to the Mayo Clinic, thoracic outlet syndrome is “a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed.” This medical explanation underscores the gravity of Wheeler’s diagnosis.

The condition can lead to “compression of blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain in the shoulders and neck, and numbness in the fingers,” according to the Mayo Clinic. This has understandably caused concern among the Phillies’ fan base.

How long will Wheeler be sidelined with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Zack Wheeler is expected to be out for the remainder of the current season. Post-surgery, he faces a recovery period ranging from 6 to 8 months, which projects his return to professional play around April next year.

Though this is a serious injury with challenging symptoms, there is optimism about Wheeler’s return to the Phillies’ lineup next season, contingent upon his continued association with the team. Philadelphia remains hopeful, bolstered by their impressive performance this season.

In his 24 appearances this season, Wheeler was a standout performer, posting exemplary numbers including a league-leading 195 strikeouts. He also topped the league with a 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings (SO/9), across 149.2 innings pitched, allowing just 19 home runs, 48 runs, and 109 hits.

Batting Average Against (BAA) is the key stat that Rodón is leading over Wheeler, Skubal, and other top pitchers. According to the latest MLB report, the Yankees pitcher has a .187 BAA, ranking number one on a list of five that also includes Nick Pivetta (.190), Nathan Eovaldi (.194), Wheeler (.197), and Skubal (.197).

While it’s not that Wheeler and Skubal have had a bad year, it’s more than obvious that Rodón’s recent dominance on the mound has been evident. The Phillies pitcher’s season, of course, is now over due to surgery.

Rodón is Second-Best in the Rotation

Currently, Rodón is the Yankees‘ second-best weapon in the rotation with a 3.24 ERA. He has provided the Bombers with high efficiency, and in August, he has earned two wins by decision. In his four starts this month, the Yankees have won three of the games.

With the same number of starts as Max Fried (26 games), Rodón has allowed only 103 hits and 61 runs while delivering 169 strikeouts. While some of his numbers are better than Fried’s, he is unfortunately the starter in the rotation who has given up the most home runs, with a total of 19.

For now, the Yankees have made the most of what they have in this year’s rotation, with Rodón being one of the key pieces. By performing better than other top pitchers, he can continue contributing to the team, and it is likely this will be his second-best season with the Yankees, or even surpass his performance last season, which ended with a 16-9 record and a 3.96 ERA.

The report comes from a conversation Devan Kaney of 94 WIP Sportsradio had with Dr. Raymond Singer, the Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Jefferson. Dr. Singer indicated that Wheeler’s chance of a return could be as high as 70-80%, putting him in a good position to pitch again for the Phillies.

Although it is an independent report, as Kaney noted that Singer is not Wheeler’s doctor, he is a knowledgeable person on the subject and offered a detailed explanation of what the pitcher’s process will look like.

The Report of Hope for Wheeler

According to Singer, age will be a factor, but his report notes that Wheeler’s recovery time should not exceed a year. He also mentioned the cases of other pitchers who successfully recovered and returned to the mound after similar surgeries.

“The surgery includes removal of the first rib and freeing up of the scar tissue around the thoracic outlet. The thoracic outlet includes three key structures. The axillary/subclavian arteries, the axillary/subclavian veins, and the brachial plexus nerve roots C5-T1.”

“Can Wheeler return to pitching? About 70-80% chance based on studies of pitchers. Venous types (like Wheeler’s) have a better chance of success over the nerve compression types. Average time for recovery is 9-10 months. Wheeler is 35-years-old which of course will factor into his ability to return.”

The report also highlighted several case studies of pitchers who underwent similar procedures, including:

• Josh Beckett returned from TOS surgery in 2013 and famously threw a no-hitter in 2014.
• Matt Harvey, who had TOS surgery in 2016, returned in 2017 but had mixed results—initially strong, later struggled.
• Trevor Rosenthal underwent TOS surgery in 2021 but did not pitch again due to a subsequent hip injury.
• Bennett Sousa (Astros) had TOS surgery in early 2024; by 2025, his recovery looked promising, showing improved slider control and velocity.