Zack Wheeler, the Phillies ace, is back on the mound at Citizens Bank Park, and it's a sight for sore eyes. After a long and arduous journey back from thoracic outlet decompression surgery, Wheeler has been nothing short of impressive this season. With a 3.12 ERA through three starts, he's looking more like his old self, and that's a good thing for the Phillies.
What makes Wheeler's return so fascinating is the context of his absence. Last August, he was facing off against Tarik Skubal, the eventual Cy Young winner in the American League. It seemed like a pitchers' duel, but little did anyone know that it would be Wheeler's last start for over nine months. During this time, he faced numerous setbacks, including issues with velocity and command, as well as a shoulder injury that required surgery.
The road to recovery has been a long and winding one for Wheeler, but he's finally back, and it's a sight to behold. His return to the mound is a testament to his resilience and determination, and it's a reminder of the impact he can have on the team.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between Wheeler's current performance and his previous struggles. While his velocity is still down from last season, it's worth noting that his velo readings are exactly where they'd typically be at this point in his season. In his third start last season, Wheeler's four-seamer averaged 94.6 mph. In his third start in 2024, it sat at 93.9 mph. On Wednesday, it averaged 95.0 mph, which is a positive sign for the Phillies.
The key now is whether that number continues to trend upwards over his next few outings. As interim manager Don Mattingly noted, this is essentially still April for Wheeler, and he's still building up his velocity and command. But as long as he's throwing the ball well, he's the Phillies' guy.
What many people don't realize is that Wheeler's return is not just a personal triumph, but also a significant development for the team. With the Phillies in the thick of the playoff race, Wheeler's presence on the mound can make all the difference. His ability to pitch deep into games and keep the opposition off-balance is a valuable asset, and it's a reminder of the importance of having a reliable ace on the roster.
In my opinion, Wheeler's return is a sign of hope for the Phillies and a reminder of the resilience and determination of one of the game's best pitchers. As he continues to build up his velocity and command, the Phillies can look forward to a strong finish to the season, and it's a testament to the power of perseverance.
