Phillies ace Zack Wheeler is dealing with a tough setback. After doctors found a blood clot in his right pitching shoulder last week, tests revealed that he has venous thoracic outlet syndrome. The condition will require surgery where doctors will actually remove one of his ribs, and the road back is expected to be long and challenging.
Dr. Cherie Erkmen, a thoracic surgeon at Temple University who isn’t treating Wheeler but spoke to CBS News Philadelphia, explained that thoracic outlet syndrome happens when the first rib presses on a nerve, artery, or vein. In Wheeler’s case, the problem is in the space between his collarbone and first rib, an area that plays a big role in how the arm and shoulder function.
It’s a serious diagnosis, but one the Phillies and Wheeler are hopeful he can overcome with time and recovery.
Dr. Erkmen explained that people whose work or sport requires constant overhead or repetitive arm motions like rowers, pitchers, painters, or even hair stylists can build up strong neck muscles that end up pulling the first rib upward. This pressure can lead to symptoms such as tingling or numbness.
For Wheeler, the Phillies announced that his treatment will be thoracic outlet decompression surgery, which means removing the first rib located just beneath the collarbone. According to Erkmen, there are a few ways surgeons can perform the procedure: making an incision above the collarbone, going in through the armpit, or using a robotic approach to remove the rib from inside the chest.
The Phillies haven’t shared specific details yet about Zack Wheeler’s surgery, such as the exact type, location, or timing but what is clear is that the procedure will keep him out for quite a while. The expected recovery window is somewhere between six and eight months, which essentially takes him out of action for the rest of this season.
On a more encouraging note, the team’s head trainer explained that Wheeler’s case doesn’t involve any nerve damage, which is often the most difficult part of thoracic outlet syndrome recoveries. Because of that, doctors believe he might be able to start throwing again as soon as eight weeks after surgery. If the rehab process goes smoothly and there are no setbacks, the Phillies are optimistic that Wheeler could be ready to rejoin the rotation next season.