Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler requires surgery

• Zack Wheeler requires additional surgery due to a serious injury.
• The operation may affect his participation in the 2026 season.
• Wheeler leads in the National League for strikeouts this season.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has been diagnosed with a venous syndrome of the upper chest. The team announced that Wheeler requires additional surgery, which is expected to take place within six to eight months.

This information was revealed following a second evaluation of Wheeler's condition after a procedure that took place on September 18, during which a thrombosis was removed from his upper right arm. After receiving a second opinion, doctors recommended performing decompression surgery on the chest outlet in the coming weeks, which may delay Wheeler's ability to start the 2026 season on time.

Wheeler, 35, has a record of 10-5 with an ERA of 2.71 over 24 starts, pitching 149 and 2/3 innings this season. His 195 strikeouts are among the best in the National League, and he is considered one of the leading contenders for the Cy Young Award this year. Wheeler finished second in the voting for this award in both 2021 and 2024.

Tags: Sport/Baseball