Philadelphia Phillies' ace pitcher Zack Wheeler has been out since mid-August when the team discovered a blood clot near his throwing shoulder.
Wheeler's clot has been removed, but the Phillies' ace will require an additional surgery before he can begin his recovery.
However, Phillies manager Rob Thomson spoke with reporters on Tuesday and revealed Wheeler has not proceeded to the additional surgery yet, suggesting a setback.
Zack Wheeler Faces Injury Setback
On Pattison's Tim Kelly shared a video on Tuesday of Thomson revealing no date has been set for Wheeler's procedure. Thomson said there's been a setback that has to do with the blood thinners Wheeler has been taking.
"There's some reasons in there, I think they're blood thinners," Thomson said. "I don't know exactly but there's a reason why they have to wait."
Wheeler was already set to miss the rest of the 2025 season with his blood clot injury. However, setbacks with his procedure that delay the start of his recovery could affect his availability to begin the 2026 season.
Combined stats of Jesus Luzardo, Ranger Suarez & Cristopher Sanchez since Zack Wheeler went on the Injured List:
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) September 10, 2025
79.0 IP | 66 H | 20 ER | 20 BB | 100 K | 2 HR | 2.28 ERA | 1.08 WHIPpic.twitter.com/oGcQZqYfMY
The Phillies have been able to perform well since their ace has been out. Philadelphia has won four straight series, and nine of their last 15 games. The lone series loss since Wheeler's absence was when the New York Mets swept the Phillies at the end of August.
However, the Phillies have won the first three games against the Mets in their final regular season meeting, and will go for the sweep on Thursday. The Phillies now have a 10-game lead over the Mets in the NL East, and hold the No. 2 seed in the National League.