Uncertainty surrounds Zack Wheeler's comeback after undergoing surgery to eliminate a blood clot, casting a shadow over the Philadelphia Phillies' starting rotation.
Zack Wheeler, the Philadelphia Phillies' star pitcher, underwent a successful thrombolysis procedure to remove a blood clot in his right upper extremity on Monday. The procedure was performed to address a condition known as venous thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), which led to the blood clot.
The Phillies' manager, Rob Thomson, expressed concern about Wheeler's condition, stating that it is not a typical injury like a hamstring injury. The team's announcement did not specify whether the blood clot is related to Wheeler's previous shoulder soreness.
At the time of his placement on the injured list, Wheeler led qualified pitchers in WHIP (0.94) and all pitchers in strikeouts (195). His recovery timeline after the successful procedure is expected to be six to eight months, during which he will undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery and rehabilitation. This means that Wheeler will miss the remainder of the 2025 MLB season and the Phillies anticipate a return within that 6-8 month window if no complications occur.
The Phillies' current rotation depth chart, with Wheeler out, is as follows: 1. (out indefinitely), 2. LHP Cristopher Sánchez, 3. RHP Aaron Nola, 4. LHP Jesús Luzardo, 5. LHP Ranger Suárez, 6. RHP Taijuan Walker, 7. RHP Alan Rangel.
Aaron Nola, another Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, recently returned from a three-month absence with an ankle injury. The team initially planned to implement a six-man rotation upon Nola's return, aiming to provide extra rest for their starters. There is a possibility that the team calls up top prospect Andrew Painter to join the six-man rotation.
The Phillies' starters rank third in ERA (3.49) and first in WAR (15.6). Despite Wheeler's absence, the team remains in a strong position, currently holding a five-game lead over the New York Mets in the NL East. The two teams have three remaining games at Citi Field (Aug. 25-27) and four remaining games at Citizens Bank Park (Sept. 8-11) this year.
[1] MLB.com [2] ESPN [3] Sports Illustrated [4] CBS Sports
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