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

It’s not closure, and it’s not certainty, but it’s something close to both. The Phillies and their fans now know why Zack Wheeler won’t pitch for them again this year. Last week he was found to have a blood clot on the right side of his upper body.

The Philadelphia Phillies announced that starting pitcher Zack Wheeler has been diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome and will undergo surgery with a recovery time of six to eight months.