Zack Wheeler undergoes surgery to remove blood clot; timetable remains unclear

There was an update on Phillies' ace Zack Wheeler Monday, but still not much in the way of clarity on what will happen moving forward.

Shortly before Rob Thomson did his pregame media session Monday afternoon, the Phillies released a statement saying that Wheeler "underwent a successful thrombolysis procedure to remove a blood clot in his right upper extremity this morning." The surgery was performed by Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's Dr. Paul DiMuzio. 

The Phillies announced following Saturday's loss to the Washington Nationals that Wheeler had been placed on the 15-day injured list after the blood clot was discovered, but didn't offer a timetable. The lack of an estimated return date didn't change Monday, with the statement simply noting that "further treatment and a subsequent timeline of recovery for Wheeler is to be determined." 

Thomson had a similar message when asked before Monday's game against the Seattle Mariners if he expects Wheeler to pitch again this season. 

"We don't know," Thomson acknowledged. "We don't know until we get further information." 

Given that it's Aug. 18, it's fair to have some skepticism about whether Wheeler will pitch again this season. Even if he's able to return, it's unclear what form it will be in, because he would have to build back up again. 

The bigger picture question was then asked: Is there any thought this could be career-threatening for the 35-year-old? 

"I don't know," Thomson said. 

Rob Thomson on the timetable for Zack Wheeler…

(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/kcv6qsH1Uj

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) August 18, 2025

For now, the focus among those who have shared a dugout with the three-time All-Star for years remains on Wheeler's wellbeing. 

"A lot of people ask me about the pitching staff and about the team, and right now my thoughts are just about him," Thomson said. "I said the other day, this isn't like a hamstring or a calf. This is real. This is life. So my thoughts are constantly on him. So hopefully everything works out. So far, so good." 

Matt Strahm said he's spoken to Wheeler only through text since the blood clot was discovered. Strahm, one of the clubhouse leaders, echoed the sentiments of Thomson. 

"I mean, that's what we're thinking of first and foremost," Strahm said, referring to Wheeler's health. "I mean, he's a dad and his family comes first. So that's definitely what we would be worried about mostly." 

Here’s the latest on Zack Wheeler.

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— Tim Kelly (@timkellysports.bsky.social) August 18, 2025 at 3:35 PM

Assuming the clot is gone and Wheeler isn't in any life-threatening danger, though, there is unquestionably a baseball angle here. Wheeler had a 2.71 ERA across 149 2/3 innings pitched this season. He's been arguably the best pitcher in baseball this decade. He has a minuscule 2.18 ERA in his postseason career. If he isn't able to return to the mound this season, it would be a massive blow for a team with World Series aspirations. 

"He's the heart of this team, the heart of the staff — you never want to see it," Strahm said. 

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