Phillies Ace Zack Wheeler Undergoes Procedure to Remove Blood Clot, Postseason Status Uncertain
The Philadelphia Phillies received a concerning update on Monday as ace pitcher Zack Wheeler underwent a successful thrombolysis procedure to remove a blood clot in his right upper extremity. While the procedure was successful, the team has announced that a definitive recovery timetable remains undetermined.
“We don’t know the timeline,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said over the weekend (via MLB.com). “I’m thinking a lot about Zack and his family because this is not a hamstring injury or something like that.”
Wheeler, 35, was placed on the injured list Sunday after a recent start was postponed due to shoulder soreness. It is currently unclear whether the shoulder discomfort was related to the blood clot that necessitated the procedure. The timing of Wheeler’s injury is particularly challenging for the Phillies, as it coincides with the return of pitcher Aaron Nola from a three-month absence due to an ankle injury.
The Phillies’ current starting rotation looks as follows: RHP Zack Wheeler (out indefinitely), LHP Cristopher Sánchez, RHP Aaron Nola, LHP Jesús Luzardo, LHP Ranger Suárez, RHP Taijuan Walker, and RHP Alan Rangel. Philadelphia had planned to utilize a six-man rotation upon Nola’s return to provide additional rest for their starters, who have already logged a significant workload this season.
In fact, Phillies starters have collectively thrown 707 ⅓ innings, 18 ⅓ more than any other team in Major League Baseball. Their starters also rank third in ERA (3.49) and lead the league in WAR (15.6), significantly outpacing the next closest team, which has accumulated just over 14 WAR from its starting pitchers.
Thomson indicated the team may consider promoting top prospect Andrew Painter to fill the sixth-man role in the rotation. Losing Wheeler, however, represents a substantial blow, particularly with the postseason looming. He has been arguably the best pitcher in baseball over the last half-decade, consistently delivering high-quality starts. At the time of his placement on the injured list, Wheeler led all qualified pitchers in WHIP (0.94) and topped all pitchers in strikeouts with 195.
The Phillies currently hold a 71-53 record and enjoy a five-game lead over the New York Mets in the National League East. The two teams are scheduled to face each other in a crucial three-game series at Citi Field from August 25-27, followed by a four-game series at Citizens Bank Park from September 8-11. The outcome of these matchups could significantly impact the division race and playoff positioning.
