Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies on Injured List

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has been placed on the 15-day injured list as of Saturday night. Details regarding his injuries are fairly limited at this point.

Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, mentioned that further information would be clarified soon in Philadelphia. Paul Buchheit, the head athletic trainer, noted that Wheeler was feeling “weight” in his arm, prompting the team to consult doctors for a proper diagnosis.

There’s some uncertainty about whether Wheeler’s blood clot is located in an artery or a vein. Dr. Michael Jacobs, a physician who has previously worked with the Baltimore Orioles, explained that this could be a serious issue and needs to be addressed immediately, no matter the location of the clot.

“These kinds of treatments can turn into significant problems,” he shared. “I’ve worked with players who have faced this issue. Sometimes, if a small artery gets pinched, surgery may involve removing it entirely and letting the body adapt.”

If the clot is in the artery, there might be options to remove it via a wired device, similar to a procedure used for heart issues. On the other hand, if it’s a vein issue, there might be a chance to dissolve it. However, using blood thinners could also be necessary, which may take several weeks to months of careful management. Dr. Jacobs emphasized the complications that arise from those treatments, pointing out how crucial it is to manage blood thickness properly.

As of now, the Phillies haven’t specified how long Wheeler will be sidelined. During the game against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, the team focused on Aaron Nola’s performance.

This was Wheeler’s third All-Star season, as he recorded 195 strikeouts and maintains a strong 2.71 ERA. Just recently, he pitched five innings against the Nationals, throwing 95 pitches.

The Phillies started the day in a strong position atop the National League East, ahead of the New York Mets by five games.