Author: Julian Bravo
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Where Zack Wheeler Ranks in Phillies Galore
Zack Wheeler will return next season. At age 36, it will not be pleasant or the same. Wheeler has been riding on a wave for well over a decade with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. Scouts knew just how special and talented Wheeler was going to become.
In Phillies history, he has ranked with some of the best in terms of strikeouts. Aaron Nola is fourth ahead, however, on that list and has respected his dues to the Phillies as a respectable organization and Wheeler himself.
Wheeler recently suffered a blood clot in his throwing shoulder and there has been speculation about MLB superstars Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani hurting the same. Could it be a matter of the pitch clock and sudden realignment? This is crazy, someone might think.
Velocity is extremely on fire, and, meanwhile sixth-round pick Bryan Woo, of the Seattle Mariners, is pitching 25 consecutive games, alongside home run sensation Cal Raleigh, and allowing 2 walks or fewer in six innings. Something that has not been set since Zack Greinke in 2015.
Truth be told, Wheeler has a great legacy to be told, mostly with Philadelphia. He was unsuccessful in the 2022 MLB World Series between the Houston Astros as he went 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA. A feat to be certain Wheeler would want to ascertain in his own determination and feedback.
The most historic achievement is when Wheeler last pitched a 0.73 WHIP in at least 50 innings during the MLB Postseason and was fantastic. There may come a true calling card with Wheeler but it is definitely standing side-by-side with Aaron Nola if the two do not ever pair, yet, again.
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Zack Wheeler Faces Season-Ending Surgery
Wheeler has been dealt with season-ending venous thoracic outlet surgery. The Philadelphia Phillies ace will turn 36 next year and various sources are claiming that Wheeler will likely miss some of 2026.
Wheeler will begin throwing on the mound in eight weeks but this throws cause for major concern. The Phillies starting rotation ranks third in MLB and Christopher Sanchez is leading the way now. There have been bumps in the roads with some of their other lefties such as Ranger Suarez and Jesus Luzardo but does this open the door for pitching prospect, Andrew Painter?
It would be a move out of desperation. The last leftie to pull out strong was Cliff Lee in the 2009 MLB Postseason with a 4-0 record and 1.56 ERA. He played with a really good seasoned veteran in ‘Doc’ Halladay and I am not too certain the Phillies have the numbers on their side especially with their bullpen reliever Jose Alvarado’s absence.
Read back on Sports Kingdom’s recent article by Julian Bravo as much will solely be determined by the heart and fate of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber one last time without Wheeler undergoing a more unique surgical procedure.
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Ending Stretch on Philadelphia Phillies
The stretch is coming to a close for the Philadelphia Phillies. They are the NL East division leaders and could not feel happier. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler removed a blood clot that is crucial.
Christopher Sanchez talked about how much he values Wheeler as a teammate and that is not to say there is still sometime to change that philosophy from upside down. Sanchez is easily the man in charge now. Wheeler is 35 and there are no qualms after all the praise from manager Rob Thomson over the past three seasons that Sanchez should get the ace starting responsibility.
Rather than look after Wheeler, it is time for Sanchez to seize action and be the best ace going forward and into the postseason. Ranger Suarez, as predicted, has posted a 9-6 record with a 3.25 ERA. He is no good as well as Jesus Luzardo.
Which leaves to Aaron Nola, who when called upon originally, has been lights out. Despite his recent rehab stint back, I expect him to be the second go-to starter for the Philadelphia Phillies in a relief ditch effort of feasibly his last along other likes such as Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, and Jhoan Duran.
The Phillies have paid for the graphics and music now. it is time to rest and phase in on the tremendous action Duran, Strahm, Kerkering, and Strahm can bring as Jose Alvarado will poorly be missed. Again, I do not think the bullpen has the makings of some NL West powerhouses such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski failed in that department by a tad but what the Phillies do have in favor is Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Together, they make up 89 home runs and lead some of the NL in that category. Only, if it were down to postseason Harper, Citizens Bank Park would know what the Phillies are made of.
There could be some surprising stars or prospects on the horizon for the Philadelphia Phillies but all that is left is a possible ending chapter for the likes of Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, and more in red, proud, glorious, pinstripes.
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