Zack Wheeler Injury Update
The Phillies’ ace Zack Wheeler underwent a successful procedure on Monday, August 18, 2025, to remove a blood clot from his right upper extremity, specifically near his throwing shoulder; he was placed on the injured list after reporting feeling “heaviness” following his start last Friday. Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) posted on Twitter that Zack Wheeler is injured with no timetable set for his return.
At the moment, there’s no clear timetable for his return manager Rob Thomson said, “We don’t know,” emphasizing how this sort of medical issue goes way beyond typical pitcher injuries like a sore hamstring or calf, and that everyone’s focus right now is on Wheeler’s health and family, not just Phillies playoff dreams. Blood clots can get very serious very quickly, especially for athletes, so it makes sense that the club and fans are treading carefully.
Salty Republican Rocker II (@GGLAW3) shared on Twitter that Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has been placed on the injured list with an “upper extremity blood clot,” according to Dave Dombrowski.
Wheeler had been dealing with some shoulder soreness earlier in August and even missed a start, but the team says the clot wasn’t related to those pitching issues. Frankly, as someone who’s watched Wheeler carve up hitters for years, it’s tough to see him hit the IL for something this scary. A blood clot isn’t just “day-to-day,” it’s “let’s all cross our fingers and hope for good news.”
For now, the Phillies' rotation plans are in flux, with Aaron Nola just returning from his injury and talk of calling up a top prospect, but no one’s filling Wheeler’s shoes quite yet. It wouldn’t be surprising if, instead of spreadsheeting out potential replacements, Philly fans just spend a little more time hoping Wheeler’s recovery is swift and uncomplicated. As for whether Zack will return this season or pitch in the playoffs, it’s all very much uncertain until he and the doctors say otherwise.