Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler has made a unique decision to keep a rib that was removed during surgery in his closet. The right-hander underwent a procedure in October to address a nerve issue in his pitching arm, which required the removal of a rib.
Wheeler, who signed a five-year, $118 million contract with the Phillies in December 2019, shared his decision during a recent interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. He explained that he wanted to keep the rib as a reminder of the obstacles he has overcome in his career.
“I just thought it was cool,” Wheeler said. “It’s something that I went through, something that I overcame. I just thought it would be a cool little conversation piece.”
The 30-year-old pitcher also revealed that he has kept other mementos from his surgeries, including screws and plates from previous procedures. He believes that these items serve as a reminder of the hard work and dedication it takes to be a professional athlete.
Wheeler’s decision to keep his rib may seem unusual to some, but it is not uncommon for athletes to hold onto items from their surgeries. In fact, former Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay famously kept a bone spur from his shoulder surgery in a jar as a reminder of his determination to return to the mound.
While Wheeler’s rib may not hold any monetary value, it holds great significance to him personally. It serves as a symbol of his resilience and determination to overcome any challenges that come his way.
As for his recovery, Wheeler is on track to be ready for the start of the 2021 MLB season. He has been throwing bullpen sessions and is expected to be a key part of the Phillies’ starting rotation.
Wheeler’s decision to keep his rib may seem unconventional, but it is a testament to his character and determination. As he continues to work towards his goals on the field, he will always have a physical reminder of the obstacles he has overcome.
