Phillies' Zack Wheeler Keeps Removed Rib from Surgery in Closet

The Phillies ace is recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery that required removing a rib.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler revealed that he is keeping the rib that was removed during his thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in his home closet. Wheeler missed the 2025 season due to the surgery but is expected to return in the first half of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a relatively uncommon condition in baseball players, and the surgery to address it often involves removing a rib. Wheeler's decision to keep the removed rib is unusual, though not unheard of, as some patients choose to hold onto body parts removed during medical procedures.

The details

Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery last season after being diagnosed with the condition. The surgery required the removal of one of Wheeler's ribs. Rather than disposing of the rib, Wheeler has chosen to keep it, storing it in a closet in his home.

  • Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in 2025, causing him to miss the entire season.
  • Wheeler is expected to return to the Phillies in the first half of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Zack Wheeler

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who is recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery that required the removal of one of his ribs.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Major League Baseball team that Zack Wheeler plays for, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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What they’re saying

“Zack Wheeler kept the rib that was removed as part of the thoracic outlet surgery, and it's sitting in a closet in his house.”

— Lochlahn March, Reporter, The Philadelphia Inquirer

What’s next

Wheeler is expected to return to the Phillies' starting rotation in the first half of the 2026 MLB season as he continues to recover from the thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

The takeaway

While keeping a removed body part is an unusual decision, it highlights the personal nature of the medical procedures that professional athletes sometimes undergo. Wheeler's recovery will be closely watched as the Phillies look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.