Ever since joining the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020, right-handed pitcher Zack Wheeler has been the franchise's best.
In his seven season with the team, the 36-year-old has only posted one season with an ERA over three.
Coming off of a season-ending thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September of 2025, Wheeler has proved that age nor injury will impact his talent.
This year, Wheeler has posted a 2.15 ERA with 105 strikeouts in 92 innings, true Cy Young contender numbers.
On Sunday, Wheeler etched his name into another part of Phillies history during his start against the Detroit Tigers.
Wheeler capped his final start of the first half by fanning Spencer Torkelson in the fifth, the 1,198th strikeout of his career, a milestone that moved him up to eighth on the Phillies’ all‑time strikeout list.
No one expected Wheeler to bounce back this well from his surgery, but this accomplishment just proves the right-hander's continuous effort to be great.
Wheeler recently declined his All-Star Game invitation after feeling "disrespected" by the league for not choosing him eariler.
Following his snub, he threw a 14 strikeout gem, in his next start, boosted himself to eighth in the Phillies strikeout rankings.
He has truly put everyone on notice.
Wheeler looks to continue his impressive Phillies' career during the second half of the 2026 MLB season.
