Zack Wheeler has already set his sights on 2026 after his season was devastatingly cut short due to thoracic outlet syndrome.
The Philadelphia Phillies posted a somber update on social media Sunday, confirming that he will miss the rest of the 2025 season but is thankful for the fans’ support.
“Thank you for all the support this season. It means the world to me and my family,” the 35-year-old Wheeler wrote on Instagram. “As many as you know, I’ll be having surgery in the coming weeks, which means I’ll miss the rest of the 2025 season. It’s tough news, but I’m so grateful for all the love and well-wishes I’ve already received.”
The Phillies announced Saturday that Wheeler is expected to miss between six to eight months and will undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery in the coming weeks.
Added Wheeler: “I’m locked in on the work ahead and can’t wait to be back in 2026, ready to give everything I’ve got for this team and this city. Thanks for riding with us through it all.”
What is the Nature of Zack Wheeler’s Injury?
Wheeler’s last start came Sept. 15 against the Washington Nationals, when he allowed two runs over five innings in a 6-2 win. Afterward he complained of “heaviness” in his right shoulder. Subsequent testing revealed a right upper extremity blood clot, landing the three-time All-Star on the 15-day injured list.
Following a procedure on Sept. 18 to have the blood clot successfully removed, it was recommended that Wheeler undergo TOS surgery.
While TOS is a rare condition, several major league pitchers have been diagnosed with it previously, including Matt Harvey, Chris Carpenter, Chris Young and Tyson Ross. In most cases, pitchers have failed to return to their previous form.
How Will Zack Wheeler’s Absence Affect the Phillies?
Losing a pitcher of Wheeler’s caliber is a devastating blow for the Phillies. Wheeler is a top-of-the-rotation starter with a track record of raising his performance in the postseason.
Wheeler has a 4-3 record with a 2.18 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 12 playoff appearances for the Phillies. He also holds the lowest WHIP (0.97) in postseason history for any pitcher with more than 50 innings pitched.
Before getting hurt, Wheeler had again thrust himself into the conversation for Cy Young. He was 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA in 149.2 innings. His 195 strikeouts lead the NL and rank third in baseball behind Boston’s Garrett Crochet (207) and Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (200).
Even with the injury, the Phillies maintain the inside track on winning the NL East. Philadelphia (76-54) owns a seven-game lead atop the division following Sunday’s 3-2 win over Washington.
“It’s tough to lose him, especially his caliber and this part of the season,” pitcher Aaron Nola said, via MLB.com. “It’s tough for the team and the city and the organization, but we’re going to do our best to pick him up and go win as many baseball games as possible.”
Phillies Ace Zack Wheeler Breaks Silence on Devastating Injury