Zack Wheeler, the Phillies ace, is quietly making a case for the NL Cy Young Award. Despite not being an All-Star, his remarkable comeback from thoracic outlet surgery has been nothing short of extraordinary. In April, concerns were raised about his fastball velocity during rehab starts, but Wheeler has since proven his critics wrong. His recent performance against the Dodgers, where he allowed only two runs in seven innings, is a testament to his resilience and skill. Wheeler's ability to strike out nine batters and retire 11 of the final 12 batters he faced showcases his dominance on the mound. With a 10-2 record and a 2.16 ERA in 16 starts, Wheeler is undoubtedly one of the best pitchers in baseball. What makes his comeback even more impressive is that he has done it while resuming his role as one of the top pitchers in the league. However, Wheeler's success has been somewhat overshadowed by the Dodgers' left-hander Justin Wrobleski, who matched him with a strong performance. The Phillies' struggle to score runs, with 23 games this season resulting in one run or none, has also been a factor in their recent losses. Despite this, Wheeler's impact on the team is undeniable, and his ability to pitch seven innings or more has led to a .735 win percentage. As the season progresses, Wheeler's name will undoubtedly be mentioned in the Cy Young Award conversation, and his comeback story will continue to inspire baseball fans everywhere.
