Phillies' Zack Wheeler Likely Faces Long Recovery After Thoracic Outlet Decompression Surgery, Doctor Says

CBS Philadelphia

August 26, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler has venous thoracic outlet syndrome that was diagnosed after he had a blood clot removed from his right pitching shoulder last week, according to an update from the team.

The surgery that Wheeler will have involves removing a rib. Doctors say he's facing a long and potentially challenging recovery.

Dr. Cherie Erkmen, a thoracic surgeon at Temple University, is not treating Wheeler and spoke with CBS News Philadelphia about the procedure.

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