Philadelphia Phillies ace right-hander Zack Wheeler was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome and has been recommended to undergo season-ending decompression surgery in the coming weeks, the team announced Saturday.

The timeline for recovery following that surgery is six-to-eight months.

Per the Mayo Clinic, venous thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when one or more of the veins under the collarbone are compressed and damaged. This can result in blood clots.

With Wheeler sidelined, the National League East-leading Phillies will rely on left-handers Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez along with right-handers Aaron Nola and Taijuan Walker in their starting rotation.

Wheeler, 35, underwent the initial surgery to remove a blood clot in his right upper extremity on Mo

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