Morning Briefing: Zack Wheeler to Undergo Thoracic Outlet Surgery

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday announced that right-handed pitcher Zack Wheeler was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome and will undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery, ending his 2025 MLB season. The timeline for recovery is 6-8 months.

It’s a brutal blow for the former Met, who had a 2.71 ERA in 24 starts this year.

Standings Update

The Mets won their second in a row, 9-2 over the Braves on Saturday. They hit six home runs, and Clay Holmes went 6 1/3 solid innings. For more on the game, read here.

The Phillies, meanwhile, beat the Nationals 6-4 to remain six games ahead of the Mets in the NL East.

The Reds lost 10-1 to the Diamondbacks. The Mets, with their win, gained a game in the lead for the third Wild Card Spot. They now sit 2.5 games ahead of Cincinnati.

The Mets and Braves wrap up this crucial series on Sunday. It will be left-handed pitcher David Peterson (8-5, 3.18 ERA, 127 SO) on the mound for the Mets against right-handed pitcher Bryce Elder (5-6, 6.29 ERA, 90 SO) on the mound for Atlanta.

Latest Mets News

Jonah Tong was once again lights-out for Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday night. He threw six shutout innings, giving up just five hits and one walk while striking out eight. He threw 88 pitches.

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets have begun to have discussions surrounding Tong and possibly calling him up in 2025.

Latest MLB News

The Baseball Writers Association of America has announced that they have voted to begin awarding the American League and National League Relief Pitcher of the Year Award in 2026.

Latest on MMO

David Melendi recapped the Mets’ minor league games from Friday night that included a big hit by Ryan Clifford.

Mojo Hill recapped Nolan McLean’s second phenomenal start of his career.

Chris Bello discussed the MLB power rankings as of week 21.

Chris Bello discussed the Mets placing Frankie Montas on the 15-day injured list and recalling Huascar Brazobán as the Mets’ injury saga continues.

Chris Bello breaks down Cedric Mullins’ recent hot streak.

Nick Kalantzopoulos talks about the conversation regarding Tong and the possibility of seeing him in New York in 2025.

On This Date in Mets History 

2015: The Mets hit a franchise-record eight home runs in a 16-7 win over the Colorado Rockies.

Born on This Date: Jamie Callahan (1994), Bartolomé Fortunato (1974), Butch Benton (1957).

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