Phillies’ Zack Wheeler Keeps Surgically Removed Rib in Closet

This piece recaps Zack Wheeler’s thoracic outlet decompression surgery, the quirky detail of the preserved first rib, and what it means for his recovery as Opening Day creeps closer for the Philadelphia Phillies.

It also highlights Wheeler’s elite track record, the timeline for his return, and why fans might want to stay optimistic about seeing a healthy Wheeler back in the rotation soon.

Surgical Details: The Rib, the Bag, and the Recovery Path

Zack Wheeler had thoracic outlet decompression surgery last September after a blood clot formed near his throwing shoulder in August. Surgeons removed his first rib to relieve pressure, then handed Wheeler the bone in a bag—a weirdly personal keepsake he now keeps tucked away in a closet.

The rib’s preservation follows standard post-extraction treatment, but for Wheeler, it’s a reminder of how far he’s come. He’s been unusually open about the whole thing, which isn’t something you see every day in pro sports.

On Wednesday at BayCare Ballpark, Wheeler spoke publicly for the first time since surgery. He called his progress encouraging and said the team’s taking a patient-first approach, not rushing anything.

He admitted the process is tough, but he’s following a steady path back, listening to his body and hitting rehab milestones as they come.

Current Status and Short-Term Outlook

Recovery from this surgery usually takes six to eight months, and Wheeler’s on that same timeline. He won’t be ready for Opening Day on March 26 against the Texas Rangers, but neither he nor the Phillies seem too worried about it.

Right now, Wheeler’s limited to playing catch from 90 feet. He hasn’t started throwing off a mound yet and isn’t sure when that’ll happen, but he’s aiming to get back to his old self and just wants to keep checking off those rehab boxes.

• He’s working on throwing farther than 90 feet, step by step.
• Intensity and frequency of throws will go up gradually.
• He’ll start bullpen sessions once the medical staff gives the green light.
• Mound work comes next, with doctors watching closely.
• Strength, flexibility, and conditioning all need to hit certain marks before he’s ready.

Why Wheeler’s Return Matters for the Phillies

Since joining the Phillies, Wheeler’s been one of baseball’s best, posting a 69-37 record and a 2.91 ERA in his first six seasons in Philadelphia. He finished as runner-up for the NL Cy Young in both 2021 and 2024, which says a lot about where he ranks among the game’s top arms.

His postseason numbers are just as impressive: a 2.18 ERA, sixth all time in MLB history for pitchers with at least nine postseason starts. Getting Wheeler back healthy would take a lot of pressure off the Phillies’ pitching staff and give fans a real reason to believe the rotation can hang with anyone in 2026.

A Personal Note: The Rib as a Memento and What It Symbolizes

The preserved rib—bagged by the surgeon and tucked away in a case—adds a surprisingly human layer to Wheeler’s comeback story. It’s more than just a medical artifact. To me, it’s this real, physical symbol of resilience and the slow, careful process behind making it back to the big leagues.

For Wheeler, that rib sits there as a reminder, right alongside all the mental and physical hurdles of rehab. It kind of drives home the point: patience and progress matter if you want to get back to top form.

As Wheeler works his way back, the Phillies keep a close eye on every milestone. Every throw from 90 feet, every bullpen—it all counts.

If he finds his control and velocity again, Philly’s rotation might just become one of the league’s toughest. For now, fans watch the rehab updates and hang onto the hope that comes with a pitcher who’s shown, more than once, that he can come back even stronger.

 
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