Flood of Zack Wheeler spring training videos is exactly what Phillies fans needed

Spring training has begun across MLB with pitchers and catchers reporting for their respective clubs, including the Philadelphia Phillies. One of the interesting storylines surrounding the team is how Zack Wheeler will progress after undergoing surgery last year for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Videos of Wheeler throwing on the backfields of the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida, will excite Phillies fans.

Manager Rob Thomson has ruled out the possibility of Wheeler being available for Opening Day. The 35-year-old will continue to gradually ramp up his activity level during spring training. When he'll be ready to debut this year is unknown (subscription required), but all the videos showing him throwing are encouraging.

Videos of Zack Wheeler throwing at spring training is exactly what Phillies fans needed

It seemed like every journalist covering the Phillies posted a video of Wheeler playing catch, back with his teammates wearing Phillies red and white. We haven't seen him pitch since his final start last season on Aug. 15. He hit the injured list with a blood clot, and that was the end of his season.

Wheeler was seen throwing at a short distance on the first day of spring training, although he's up to 90 feet. Even though he won't be active in time to lead the starting rotation on Opening Day on March 26, there is likely excitement from the team's fan base watching the videos that were posted on social media of the veteran throwing.

Following his on-field activity, Wheeler spoke to the media on Day 1 of spring training about his optimism about his progress from his surgery, per Tim Kelly of On Pattison.

"It is encouraging, kinda the progress so far," Wheeler said, per Kelly. "You kinda don't know what to expect as you're moving along. I'm sure there's speed bumps that you're gonna hit along the way with any surgery or recovery.

"You just take it day-by-day, things as they come and go. I'm just trying to hit my checkmarks that me and [head athletic trainer] Paul [Buchheit] and the club have come up with. So far, so good with that. I'm really just trying to make sure the arm strength is there with every phase we kind of get to, and move on to the next one. So far, so good."

According to ZiPS projections, Wheeler is projected to throw the fewest number of innings (128) of his career since 2017, not including the shortened 2020 season. However, if he can gradually regain his previous elite form by late in the regular season, fans will take that, especially if the Phillies are competing for the top spot in the NL East or an NL Wild Card spot.

While there's uncertainty around Wheeler's season debut date, it's important that the veteran keep progressing and not suffer any significant setbacks. It's also vital that his return not be rushed, even though he's a critical piece of the starting rotation.