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Zack Wheeler Diagnosed With Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome as Phillies Recommend Season-Ending Surgery

The venous diagnosis follows last week’s blood-clot removal, with a projected six- to eight-month recovery.

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Aug 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images/File photo
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 10: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on in the first inning during a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on August 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
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Overview

  • The Phillies announced Wheeler has venous thoracic outlet syndrome and is recommended for decompression surgery in the coming weeks, ending his 2025 season with a projected six- to eight-month recovery.
  • The development comes days after an Aug. 18 thrombolysis at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital performed by Dr. Paul DiMuzio to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder.
  • Wheeler was placed on the injured list last weekend with a right upper-extremity blood clot after reporting arm heaviness earlier in the month.
  • The Cleveland Clinic describes venous thoracic outlet syndrome as compression of the subclavian vein that can cause arm swelling, discoloration or heaviness.
  • Merrill Kelly offers a recent precedent, having undergone venous TOS surgery in 2020 before returning to pitch effectively the following season.