The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that their star pitcher, Zack Wheeler, will miss the remainder of the 2025 MLB season due to a diagnosis of venous thoracic outlet syndrome. The 35-year-old right-hander underwent surgery this week to address a blood clot in his throwing shoulder, a procedure that typically involves the removal of a rib to alleviate compression.

Wheeler, who has been a cornerstone of the Phillies' rotation since joining the team in 2020, has consistently delivered top-tier performances. This season, he maintained a 2.71 ERA and struck out 195 batters in 149⅔ innings, showcasing his precision and power on the mound.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed his disappointment but emphasized the importance of Wheeler's health. "It's disappointing, but everybody knows it's out of our control," Thomson said. "We're happy he's going to be healthy, because it's a very serious thing that he went through."

The loss of Wheeler is a significant setback for the Phillies, who are currently leading the National League East with a 74-54 record. Despite this, the team has depth in their starting rotation with pitchers like Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Aaron Nola. Additionally, the Phillies may call upon top pitching prospect Andrew Painter to bolster their staff.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic. "It's never good to lose a Zack Wheeler, your No. 1 pitcher," Dombrowski said. "I think we have starting pitching depth that's capable of pitching well for us. We'll be looking for other people to step up and pick up the slack."

Wheeler's recovery is expected to take six to eight months, potentially allowing him to return by Opening Day 2026. The Phillies will need to navigate the remainder of the season without their ace as they aim to secure a strong position in the playoffs.