Jun 15, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eric Hartline
In a statement posted to Instagram Sunday, Zack Wheeler thanked Phillies fans for their support and confirmed he intends to continue his career:
"Thank you for all the support this season. I means the world to me and my family.
"As many of you know, I'll be having surgery in the coming weeks, which means I'll miss the rest of the 2025 season. It's tough news, but I'm so grateful for all the love and well-wishes I've already received.
"I'm locked in on the work ahead and can't wait to be back in 2026, ready to give everything I've got for this team and this city.
"Thanks for riding with us through it all."
Zack Wheeler posted the following message on his Instagram. pic.twitter.com/wQNPiKWB48
Wheeler was diagnosed with a right upper extremity blood clot last Saturday, and had successful surgery to remove that on Monday.
The Phillies then revealed yesterday that after meeting with three specialists, it was determined that Wheeler has thoracic outlet syndrome and will need to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery, a procedure that comes with a recovery timeline of between six and eight months. Obviously, that means an end to what had been a tremendous season for Wheeler, who posted a 2.71 ERA across 24 starts.
Dave Dombrowksi said that Zack Wheeler — who is under contract through 2027 — is committed to continuing his career.
(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/UKhg9nns4j
Wheeler is due to make $84 million between 2026 and 2027 — which he has said previously will be his final two MLB seasons — so the overwhelming likelihood was always that he would continue his career. But given the severity of this situation, having president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and Wheeler himself confirm that this weekend will likely bring comfort to Phillies fans.
