The team announced Saturday that Philadelphia Phillies native Ace Zack Wheeler has been diagnosed with intravenous thoracic outlet syndrome and will require additional surgery, which is expected to bring him six to eight months.
Wheeler performed a follow-up evaluation after the surgery on August 18 to remove blood clots from his right upper arm.
After receiving the second comment, Wheeler was advised to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery in the next few weeks. Such a surgery will threaten Wheeler’s ability to start the 2026 season on time.
Wheeler, 35, has 10-5 in 24 of 24 innings and two-thirds of the season. His 195 strikeouts lead the National League, and he is widely regarded as the top candidate in this year’s NL Cy Young game. Wheeler was the two-time runner-up at the Cy Young Awards, finishing second in 2021 and 2024.
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
