Zack Wheeler will miss the rest of the season due to thoracic outlet syndrome
Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler will be out for the rest of the season. The team announced on Saturday that he was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome. He is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months.
The 35-year-old right-handed pitcher underwent surgery this week to remove a blood clot in his throwing shoulder. Venous thoracic outlet syndrome, a rare subtype of compression disorder that pinches a vein and causes blood clots to form, is repaired by surgery. This surgery, recommended for Wheeler, could allow him to return for Opening Day 2026. The surgery generally involves removing a rib to decompress the area.
The absence of Wheeler for the remainder of 2025 represents a significant blow to the Phillies’ championship aspirations. Since signing with the team before the 2020 season, Wheeler has been one of baseball’s best pitchers, known for his consistency, low ERA, and high strikeout totals.
Wheeler had been a mainstay in the Phillies’ rotation, completing his full share of starts in four of five seasons and regularly figuring in the top of the Cy Young voting. In the current season, he was having a solid performance, leading the league with 195 strikeouts in 149.2 innings and allowing less than one runner per inning with an ERA of 2.71.
Despite the loss of Wheeler, the Phillies have considerable depth in their starting pitching staff. With left-handed pitchers like Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Jesus Luzardo, along with right-handers Aaron Nola and Taijuan Walker, the team has options to deal with the situation. They could also turn to pitching prospect Andrew Painter to bolster a pitching staff that has added closer Jhoan Duran and setup man David Robertson in the last month.
With a record of 74-54, Philadelphia leads the National League East by six games over the New York Mets and would currently hold the second spot in the National League playoffs.
