Phillies’ Zack Wheeler undergoes surgery to remove a blood clot in his right arm.

On August 18, 2025, Philadelphia Phillies star Zack Wheeler had a successful thrombolysis to break up a blood clot in his upper right arm. Since there is currently no set return date, the team will shift to its rotation depth even though his recovery is uncertain.

Three-time All-Star Wheeler, 35, who leads the majors with 195 strikeouts, was placed on the injured list on Saturday after his shoulder “heaviness” worsened after he started on Friday night.

The city of Philadelphia After surgery on Monday to remove a blood clot in his upper right arm, Phillies star Zack Wheeler’s recovery time is still undetermined, according to the team.

“We don’t know” was the manager Rob Thomson’s response when asked if Wheeler would make another appearance this season or if the scenario was a career-threatening one.

Dr. Paul DiMuzio performed a thrombolysis on Wheeler at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, according to the Phillies.

Wheeler, 35, a three-time All-Star who leads the majors with 195 strikeouts, was placed on the injured list on Saturday after his start in Washington the night before caused his shoulder “heaviness” to increase.

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His illness was classified as thoracic outlet syndrome, which is a known risk factor for athletes who fling their bodies aloft. It is characterized by squeezed blood vessels or nerves close to the neck, which can result in the formation of a clot.

Depending on the underlying cause, there are different treatment options. To prevent recurrence, sportsmen frequently endure months-long blood thinner therapy or even rib excision surgery in addition to clot-dissolving procedures. When these interventions are successful, athletes have a high return-to-play rate.

With six weeks remaining in the regular season, the Phillies are left without the rotation’s mainstay. To cover the gap, the NL East leaders are depending on a collection of individuals that includes Taijuan Walker, Ranger Suárez, Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesús Luzardo. After missing three months due to rib and ankle problems, Aaron Nola made his comeback to the starting lineup on Sunday.

“You could always rely on [Wheeler] every fifth day, but at the same time, I have confidence in our entire rotation,” Thomson stated. “Even though losing Zack is difficult, I am incredibly pleased with our personnel. I genuinely do.

Wheeler has a 2.71 ERA and a 10-5 record in 24 starts this season. In three of the last four seasons, he has thrown at least 192 innings.

In addition to the direct baseball ramifications, Wheeler has garnered support from teammates.

“He’s the heart of this team, the heart of the staff… you never want to see it,” reliever Matt Strahm stated, highlighting how everyone’s top focus is Wheeler’s health.

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