Zack Wheeler Undergoes Surgery After Blood Clot, Out for Season

The Philadelphia Phillies just took a massive hit—ace righty Zack Wheeler is done for the rest of the 2025 season. Wheeler, 35, was cruising through a Cy Young-level year before doctors diagnosed him with venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

He’ll have to go under the knife, which wipes out any chance of a late-season comeback. Now, the Phillies have to wonder if he’ll even be ready for the start of 2026.

Zack Wheeler’s Injury and Diagnosis

Wheeler’s issues started with a blood clot that knocked him out earlier in August. After that, doctors said he needs thoracic outlet decompression surgery.

This surgery usually means taking out a rib to ease pressure on blood vessels and nerves around the shoulder. It’s not a minor thing—definitely not what anyone wants to hear.

Expected Recovery Timeline

Recovery takes about six to eight months, and that’s if everything goes right. Maybe Wheeler gets cleared by spring training 2026, but with his age and importance, the Phillies might not rush him.

He’s definitely out for all of 2025, including the postseason. That’s a harsh reality for the team and fans alike.

A Season Cut Short

Before everything unraveled, Wheeler was just mowing down hitters. His last start was August 15, and in 24 games, he racked up:

• 2.71 ERA
• National League-best 195 strikeouts
• League-leading 0.94 WHIP
• 4.0 WAR, seventh among all MLB pitchers

He was right in the thick of the Cy Young race, and honestly, he was the backbone of Philly’s rotation.

Historical Impact and Consistency

Since 2020, Wheeler’s been the most valuable pitcher in baseball—nobody else has matched his cumulative WAR (28.7). That kind of steady dominance made his three-year, $126 million extension a no-brainer for the Phillies.

Losing him now? It stings. But if anyone can bounce back, it’s probably Wheeler.

Phillies Rotation Without Wheeler

Even without their ace, the Phillies aren’t exactly short on arms. Their rotation depth has been one of the best stories of 2025, and now it’s about to get a real test.

Key Rotation Members Stepping Up

Here’s who they’ll lean on:

• Cristopher Sánchez – He’s turned into a legit Cy Young threat, leading the team with 4.7 WAR.
• Jesús Luzardo – The new guy with electric stuff from the left side.
• Aaron Nola – Veteran, battle-tested, and always dangerous in October.
• Ranger Suárez – Reliable, flexible, and he’s been through the postseason grind before.

This group gives the Phillies a shot to keep rolling, even if it’s not quite the same without Wheeler at the top.

Playoff Outlook and NL East Position

The Phillies are 74–54, holding a six-game lead in the NL East. Unless things go sideways, they’re heading to the playoffs and could lock in home-field for the early rounds.

Postseason Rotation Strategy

Without Wheeler, expect Sánchez and Nola to carry the load in the first two playoff games. Luzardo and Suárez fill out the rest. It’s still a rotation most teams would envy, so maybe the Phillies can make a run anyway—just not quite how they drew it up.

Final Thoughts

Losing Zack Wheeler hurts the Phillies’ championship hopes. Still, this team’s rotation depth gives them a fighting chance.

Wheeler’s surgery and recovery will get a lot of attention this winter. His return in 2026? That’s bound to be a huge talking point.

For now, the Phillies have to figure things out without their ace. They’ll need everyone—from the starters to the bullpen—to step up.

Can they pull it off? If so, Philly fans might just have something to celebrate in October after all.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Zack Wheeler injury: Phillies ace needs surgery after blood clot removal, will miss remainder of season