**Zack Wheeler Placed on Injured List Due to Blood Clot Diagnosis**
**Meta Description:** Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler is sidelined with a blood clot, impacting his upcoming starts. The team prepares for Aaron Nola’s return.
**URL Slug:** zack-wheeler-injured-list-blood-clot
**Zack Wheeler Placed on Injured List Due to Blood Clot Diagnosis**
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that ace pitcher Zack Wheeler will miss several upcoming starts after being placed on the 15-day injured list due to a blood clot diagnosis. The team’s president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, confirmed that the clot is located near Wheeler’s shoulder, but no specific timeline for his return has been established.
Wheeler has had a strong season, starting 24 games with an impressive 2.71 ERA. He was the National League strikeout leader in 2021 and, as of Saturday, led the majors with 195 strikeouts. In 2024, he was the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award, and his current performance suggests he could again be in contention for the prestigious honor.
Historically, Wheeler has maintained good health, having not been placed on the injured list since August 2022, when he dealt with tendinitis in his right forearm. His current setback will require the Phillies to adjust their rotation, but the team is also preparing for the return of Aaron Nola, who has been sidelined for three months due to a rib stress fracture and an ankle sprain. Nola is expected to return to the mound on Sunday after completing several rehab starts.
Following their loss to the Washington Nationals on Saturday, the Phillies hold a five-game lead over the New York Mets in the NL East, indicating their strong position in the division despite Wheeler’s absence.
**FAQ**
**What is the impact of Zack Wheeler’s injury on the Phillies?**
Wheeler’s injury will require the Phillies to adjust their pitching rotation, but they are also set to welcome Aaron Nola back, which may help mitigate the impact of Wheeler’s absence.
