Wheeler's 2026 Return from Vascular TOS Surgery Targeted for Late May

Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler, 35, is targeting a late May 2026 return after undergoing vascular thoracic outlet syndrome surgery on September 23, 2025. He was placed on the IL on August 17, 2025, for a right upper-extremity blood clot, ending his 2025 season where he posted a 10–5 record with a 2.71 ERA, 195/33 K/BB ratio, and 0.94 WHIP across 24 starts. The 6-8 month recovery timeline makes an Opening Day return unlikely, but internal optimism exists due to the success rate of vascular TOS outcomes.