Zack Wheeler Earns NL Comeback Honor with 193 Strikeouts

Phillies’ ace Zack Wheeler won the National League Comeback Player of the Year award, beating out Sandy Alcantara and Martín Pérez. In 28 starts, he went 14-5 with a 3.00 ERA and 193 strikeouts in 162 innings. His return to dominance was remarkable, especially after dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that has affected many pitchers' careers. Wheeler’s 2025 season ended in mid-August when a blood clot near his right shoulder was discovered. He underwent a second procedure to remove a rib and relieve the vein after having the blood clot removed. His recovery involved physical therapy and a strict diet, not easy for someone who loves fast food and junk food. It took time for his fastball to regain its usual zip, but concerns about diminished velocity during a minor-league assignment proved unfounded. He finished strong with a 4-0 record and 1.67 ERA in his last six starts, including the season finale, when he held Tampa Bay to one run in six innings to help clinch the final NL wild card. If someone had told Wheeler he’d be as effective as ever a year after surgery, he would have said, “To be expected.” He believes that staying positive and having a strong mindset is key to coming back from surgery. He said that being the same guy as he was, if not better, is his goal.

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A photorealistic news photo of Zack Wheeler on the mound, focused and determined, with a baseball in his hand, under the bright lights of a stadium, with a crowd in the background, showing the intensity of the moment.

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Zack Wheeler Earns NL Comeback Honor with 193 Strikeouts

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Wheeler’s 193 strikeouts secured him the NL Comeback Player of the Year award from his peers.

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Phillies’ ace Zack Wheeler won the National League Comeback Player of the Year award, beating out Sandy Alcantara and Martín Pérez. In 28 starts, he went 14-5 with a 3.00 ERA and 193 strikeouts in 162 innings. His return to dominance was remarkable, especially after dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that has affected many pitchers' careers. Wheeler’s 2025 season ended in mid-August when a blood clot near his right shoulder was discovered. He underwent a second procedure to remove a rib and relieve the vein after having the blood clot removed. His recovery involved physical therapy and a strict diet, not easy for someone who loves fast food and junk food. It took time for his fastball to regain its usual zip, but concerns about diminished velocity during a minor-league assignment proved unfounded. He finished strong with a 4-0 record and 1.67 ERA in his last six starts, including the season finale, when he held Tampa Bay to one run in six innings to help clinch the final NL wild card. If someone had told Wheeler he’d be as effective as ever a year after surgery, he would have said, “To be expected.” He believes that staying positive and having a strong mindset is key to coming back from surgery. He said that being the same guy as he was, if not better, is his goal.

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