Zack Wheeler to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery, out for remainder of season

The Phillies’ ace’s season is over.

Zack Wheeler had a follow-up evaluation and received second opinions this week after his successful right upper extremity blood clot removal on Monday, August 18.

Wheeler was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, and the recommendation is to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery in the coming weeks, the Phillies announced Saturday afternoon. Details on the surgery are forthcoming, the team says.

The timeline of recovery from the surgery is generally six to eight months, meaning Wheeler’s 2025 campaign has come to an end.

Thoracic outlet decompression surgery is a surgical procedure that involves removing structures like the first rib, scar tissue, or muscles that are compressing nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, according to Temple Health. This surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments for thoracic outlet syndrome have failed to relieve symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arm and shoulder. 

The thoracic outlet is a narrow space located between the collarbone (clavicle) and the first rib. Nerves and blood vessels pass through this space on their way to the arm and hand.

Phillies trainer Paul Buchheit said Wheeler got two second opinions, and this procedure was the unanimous recommendation.

It is truly a shame for the 35-year-old, as he was having perhaps his greatest regular season in a Phillies uniform. He will finish 2025 with 149.2 innings, an ERA of 2.71, and a 0.94 WHIP, along with 195 strikeouts, which was the most in baseball when he was active.

It had been apparent over the last month that something had been off with Wheeler. His velocity had dropped to the mid-90s; he was not throwing as many innings and was allowing many more baserunners.

Since his complete game one-hitter against the Reds on July 6, Wheeler’s six starts since contained 33.2 innings and 17 earned runs, along with 34 hits, eight home runs, five hit batsmen, and 47 strikeouts. Over those six starts, he had a 4.54 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while going 1-2.

Dave Dombrowski said that Wheeler, who is under contract through 2027, is committed to continuing his career.

Now, the Phillies’ starting rotation, one of the best in baseball, will have to carry on without their commander. Luckily, they are one of the best units in baseball. Cristopher Sanchez is a Cy Young candidate with his deadly changeup and 2.46 ERA, which is third in the National League. Ranger Suarez got off to an extremely hot start, although he has posted a 5.57 ERA over his last seven starts, but had a solid 6.2 innings against the Nationals Friday night. Jesus Luzardo has found his groove again in which he had early in the year, Taijuan Walker has been excellent as of late, and Aaron Nola makes his second start off the injured list Saturday night.

On top of all of that, their bullpen is much improved with the additions of Jhoan Duran and David Robertson, the return of Jose Alvarado for the rest of the regular season, and, of course, the guys who have been here all year in Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, Tanner Banks, and others.

Losing Wheeler is certainly a tough blow, but it should not derail the Phillies. Now, they need to go win it for Wheeler. There’s no greater motivation than that.

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