Zack Wheeler collects 2,000th strikeout, makes Phillies history

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Zack Wheeler collects 2,000th strikeout, makes Phillies history in dominant outing

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 22, 2026 8:01 PM ET

Entering play on Tuesday, only 95 pitchers in MLB history had reached 2,000 career strikeouts.

That was until Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler took the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers and reached the milestone that so few before him have been able to.

Zack Wheeler collects strikeout No. 2,000

Wheeler entered Tuesday's start against Milwaukee needing just three strikeouts to reach 2,000 for his career. Rather than making his home fans wait around for the milestone to be reached, Wheeler took care of business from the jump.

Wheeler struck out the side to begin the game and get himself to the 2,000-strikeout mark. He became the 96th pitcher in MLB history to reach the accomplishment and the 13th fastest to do so.

Zack Wheeler strikes out the side in the first inning to reach 2,000 career Ks! https://t.co/R3R5L7zfdE pic.twitter.com/31f3TzQtwP
— MLB (@MLB) September 22, 2026

Zack Wheeler also made Phillies franchise history in Tuesday's outing

Not only did Wheeler reach the 2,000-strikeout mark, but he also made franchise history. Wheeler struck out the first seven batters he faced Tuesday, setting a new franchise record.

Wheeler broke the previous record of six consecutive strikeouts to start the game that was set by Brandon Duckworth in 2002. He fell just two shy of tying Pablo Lopez's MLB record of nine consecutive strikeouts to open a game.

Zack Wheeler sets a @Phillies franchise record with 7 straight strikeouts to start a game! pic.twitter.com/qiBpxrRpvo
— MLB (@MLB) September 22, 2026

Despite another good option, Zack Wheeler should start Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series

Philadelphia will be faced with a good problem to have in the NL wild-card Series: Who should start Game 1?

Should it be Wheeler or should it be Christopher Sanchez (18-6, 2.93 ERA) who gets the nod in Game 1? Matchups could play a factor in that, but it would seem to be difficult not to turn to the veteran with 11 starts and a 2.18 ERA in his postseason career.

That decision will ultimately be up to manager Don Mattingly, and it will be intriguing to see how exactly he decides to line up his playoff rotation.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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