Phillies rocked as star pitcher Zack Wheeler faces six to eight months out

• Wheeler faces thoracic outlet surgery setback

• Phillies ace likely sidelined up to eight months

• NL Cy Young contender's 2026 start in jeopardy

Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome and will require additional surgery that's expected to sideline him for six to eight months, the team announced Saturday.

Wheeler had a follow-up evaluation following a surgery on 18 August to remove a blood clot from his upper right arm.