Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Zack Wheeler has made a remarkable return from thoracic outlet syndrome and blood clot surgery that ended his 2025 season. Since his April 25, 2026 debut, Wheeler has posted elite numbers across 5 starts: 1.99-2.55 ERA, 0.88-0.93 WHIP, 22-23 strikeouts, and a 3-0 record. He's demonstrating full command with a 36.1% chase rate (91st percentile), 25.8% whiff rate, and 23.2% strikeout rate. Notable achievement: threw just 16 pitches through first 3 innings vs Red Sox (fewest since 2000). Fastball velocity has ticked back up to 96 mph after initial concerns about diminished velocity post-surgery. Manager Don Mattingly confident in Wheeler's trajectory.
Strengths
- + Ace-level performance post-surgery with 1.99-2.55 ERA
- + Elite command and swing-and-miss stuff restored
- + Chase rate in 91st percentile (36.1%)
- + Fastball velocity recovering to 96 mph
- + Historic efficiency: 16 pitches through 3 innings vs Red Sox
- + FIP and K-BB% better than ERA indicating strong underlying metrics
- + Pitch movement and Stuff+ above league average
- + 3-0 record with quality starts
- + Full command demonstrated with minimal walks (6 in 24.2 IP)
- + Manager expressing confidence in velocity trajectory
About
Zack Wheeler is a sp for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Player Overview
SP
Philadelphia Phillies
Recent News
Phillies news: Alec Bohm, Justin Crawford, Zack Wheeler
May 18, 2026
Gamethread 5/17: Phillies at Pirates
May 17, 2026
You a ten, baby girl, but I m the one: Phillies 6, Pirates 0
May 17, 2026
Zack Wheeler shoves, Phillies get to Paul Skenes in sweep of Pirates
May 17, 2026
Zack Wheeler: Continues dealing in third win
May 17, 2026