Zack Wheeler Isn’t Ready To Give Up His Ace Status Zack Wheeler has defied expectations by reaffirming his status as one of the Philadelphia Phillies’ most valuable pitchers despite lingering questions about his health and age. The right-hander, who was sidelined for much of the 2025 season due to venous thoracic outlet syndrome, has returned to form with a blend of resilience and adaptability, proving that his impact on the team remains significant. Wheeler’s 2025 season was cut short by the injury, which required surgical intervention and left him sidelined for a substantial portion of the 2026 campaign. The condition, which involves compression of blood vessels in the neck and chest, raised concerns about his ability to recover and maintain his previous level of performance. However, Wheeler has not only returned to the mound but has also managed to reclaim his role as a dominant force for the Phillies. The Phillies signed Wheeler to a five-year, $118 million contract before the 2020 season, a deal that was initially viewed as overpaying for a pitcher with a history of injury concerns. Yet, over seven seasons in Philadelphia, Wheeler has delivered a 2.85 ERA, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest bargains in franchise history. His 2025 season, though abbreviated, saw him finish with a 2.01 ERA in 62.2 innings pitched, striking out 62 batters while allowing just 5.5 hits per nine innings. These numbers underscore his continued elite performance, even as he navigates the challenges of his injury recovery. Wheeler’s return to the Phillies’ rotation in late April 2026 marked a critical turning point. Despite missing a month of the regular season, he quickly reestablished himself as a key contributor, showcasing his ability to adapt his game.#philadelphia_phillies #zack_wheeler #venous_thoracic_outlet_syndrome #cy_young_award #fangraphs
