Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler will miss the remainder of the season and is expected to be out for six to eight months after being diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, the team announced Saturday.
The 35-year-old right-hander underwent surgery this week to remove a blood clot in his throwing shoulder. Venous thoracic outlet -- a rare sub-type of the compression disorder that pinches a vein and causes blood clots to form -- is repaired through surgery, which has been recommended for Wheeler and could allow him to return by Opening Day 2026. The surgery typically entails the removal of a rib to help decompress the area.