Breaking MLB News: Phillies Get Devastating News On Zack Wheeler

The Philadelphia Phillies have received a devastating update on their ace, and perennial Cy Young candidate Zack Wheeler. He'll be undergoing surgery and is done for the season.

Update on Zack Wheeler. pic.twitter.com/sgDeIh2lsA
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) August 23, 2025

Wheeler, who was diagnosed with a blood clot near his shoulder, will undergo surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. The timeline for a return is six to eight months.

The 35-year-old had a successful right upper extremity blood clot removal on August 18, but a follow-up evaluation & second opinions this week revealed the diagnosis of venous thoracic outlet syndrome & the recommendation is to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery, which will take place in the coming weeks.

This news is absolutely crushing to the Phillies' World Series hopes. Wheeler's playoff history is completely unparalleled by any starting pitcher in major league history, with a minumum of 50 innings pitched.

Postseason history (min. 50 IP):

Lowest WHIP
Zack Wheeler (0.73)
Mariano Rivera (0.76)

Lowest OPS allowance
Mariano Rivera (.440)
Zack Wheeler (.445)

If the Phillies are without Wheeler in October, their World Series path is perilously narrow. pic.twitter.com/cfCPrQ1gUy
— Paul Hembekides (Hembo) (@PaulHembo) August 22, 2025

Wheeler has the lowest WHIP of any pitcher in postseason history, at 0.73, and has allowed the second-lowest OPS, at .445 of any hurler, next to legendary closer Mariano Rivera.

A brutal turn of events for the Phillies.

This season, Wheeler had a 2.71 ERA and a National League-leading 0.93 WHIP, as well as a league-best 195 strikeouts. His 195:33 strikeout-to-walk ratio is also tops in baseball.