The Phillies ace was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, and has been advised by doctors to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery, according to a Phillies press release on Saturday.&nbsp;

Wheeler received the news after getting a second opinion following a procedure to remove blood clot in his throwing shoulder on Monday, the team stated.&nbsp;

<button class="button button--modal-trigger" aria-label="Open the image in a modal." data-modal-image="36913272"> 
</button>
<figcaption>Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the first inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. <span class="credit">Getty Images</span></figcaption>

The right-hander will reportedly need 6 to 8 months to recover from the surgery.&nbsp;

Wheeler, a three-time All-Star, had been in the National League Cy Young conversation before hitting the injured list last week.

He posted a 2.71 ERA with an MLB-leading 195 strikeouts across 149 ²/₃ innings before going down.

The news is a massive blow to the Phillies’ World Series hopes.&nbsp;

Heading into Saturday’s play, Philadelphia led the National League East by six games over the Mets.

Former Mets ace Matt Harvey has a similar surgery in 2016. 

Zack Wheeler’s season is over. {ai:summary}<p>Zack Wheeler's season is over after a venous thoracic outlet syndrome diagnosis; doctors recommend thoracic outlet decompression surgery with a 6–8 month recovery, per the Phillies.</p><p>The ace posted a 2.71 ERA with 195 strikeouts in 149 1/3 innings before landing on the IL, a heavy blow to Philly's World Series hopes as they led the NL East. #sports</p>

Phillies’ Zack Wheeler needs thoracic outlet surgery in season-ending crusher

Loading...