Zack Wheeler showcasing incredible resilience since return from IL

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Phillies' Zack Wheeler showcasing incredible resilience since return from IL

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 17, 2026 7:38 PM ET

Since Zack Wheeler's highly anticipated debut and return from the injury list on April 25, he's shown phenomenal resiliency.

His elite performances this season demonstrate a dominant bounce-back after recovering from thoracic outlet decompression surgery and a blood clot.

He provided an immediate impact on April 25, throwing five scoreless innings and helping break a 10-game losing streak. The Philadelphia Phillies were victorious against the Atlanta Braves, winning 8-5 in extra innings.

Since his return, the 35-year-old is rocking a perfect 3-0 record with a 1.99 ERA and 0.88 WHIP with 30 punchouts across 31.2 innings.

His return has also helped to stabilize the rotation and bring the Phillies back into contention in the NL East. Before Wheeler's return, the rotation was struggling with a 5.68 ERA. But since his return, the team has boasted with a 2.54 ERA that's one of the best in MLB.

Zack Wheeler hasn’t skipped a beat since returning from injury

31.2 IP | 1.99 ERA | 30 K’s | 7 BB | 0.88 WHIP

Every whiff and called strike from his 7 shutout innings vs. Pittsburgh:pic.twitter.com/7CUN0ZW1uq
— Baseball Performances (@MLBPerformances) May 17, 2026

How Zack Wheeler has demonstrated resiliency

It didn't take Wheeler long to reestablish his role as the top-line anchor in the rotation. When it comes to his durability, it's been immaculate, as he's pitched six or more innings in practically all his starts.

Some of his "Iron Man" performances this season included going 7.1 innings against the Boston Red Sox on May 12, as well as blanking out the Pittsburgh Pirates in a seven-inning shutout performance on May 17.

But a clear indication of his resilience has come from regaining his elite velocity. In his cutting-edge performance against the Pirates, Wheeler's fastball velocity reached over 96 mph, illustrating how he's built up his arm strength.

Initially, in his rehab outings, his velocity had dialed down to around 93 mph. Essentially, his resilience has been marked by a reclaimed velocity and holding opponents to a .197 batting average.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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