Zack Wheeler Faces Thoracic Outlet Surgery, Phillies Rally On
The Philadelphia Phillies received some tough news this week involving their ace, Zack Wheeler. Just days after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot near his throwing shoulder, Wheeler has now been diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Doctors have recommended that he undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery in the coming weeks, which officially ends his 2025 season. The recovery time is expected to be around six to eight months, so the focus has already shifted to whether he’ll be ready for the start of 2026.
This setback came quickly. Only a week ago, Wheeler was placed on the injured list after the blood clot was discovered. The procedure to remove it was considered a success, but concern never fully went away. Blood clots are often linked to thoracic outlet syndrome, and that speculation has now been confirmed. While the diagnosis is serious, there’s some cautious optimism: the venous form of TOS is generally considered less career-threatening than the nerve-related version. Pitchers like Merrill Kelly, who had the same surgery in 2020, have successfully returned and pitched at a high level.
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For Wheeler, it’s another test in what has been a trying season. He’s been the anchor of the Phillies’ rotation, a steady presence and leader on the mound, and losing him is a huge blow for the team’s playoff hopes. Yet, ironically, his absence has sparked a surprising rally. Since he left the roster, the Phillies have gone on a four-game winning streak, scoring 40 runs in the process. Players like Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber have stepped up not only with big hits but also with the little details — smart baserunning, situational hitting, and sharper defense.
Teammates have admitted Wheeler’s situation has been sobering. Harper said that when a player faces something bigger than baseball, it pushes everyone to play harder for him. Turner noted that losing someone so vital can bring a team closer together, and the Phillies’ recent performances seem to prove it. From stolen bases to small-ball execution, they’ve been sharper, more focused, and more determined.
Of course, questions remain. Can this level of play continue without their ace? Will Wheeler be able to follow the Merrill Kelly path and come back strong in 2026? Or will this surgery mark a turning point in his career, much like the nerve-related version of TOS that effectively ended Stephen Strasburg’s?
For now, the Phillies are simply trying to make the most of the situation. They know Wheeler is watching, and they’re using his fight as motivation. The season may have shifted dramatically, but if there’s one thing Wheeler has shown in his career, it’s resilience. The Phillies will need to channel that same resilience as they push forward without him.
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