Zack Wheeler Anchoring Phillies Rotation Despite All-Star Snub

Philadelphia Phillies starter Zack Wheeler is putting together what may be the finest season of his 12-year career, according to Sports Illustrated. Despite turning 36 on May 30 and recovering from thoracic outlet decompression surgery to treat a blood clot near his right shoulder, Wheeler has posted a 10-1 record and a 2.13 ERA through the All-Star break.

While Wheeler was omitted from the initial National League All-Star roster, Sports Illustrated reports he declined a subsequent invitation to join as a replacement player, describing the offer as a "pity party."

His dominance has not gone unnoticed by analysts. Andrew Simon of MLB.com placed Wheeler at No. 2 in the latest starting pitcher power rankings, trailing only Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers. Simon noted that the Phillies have gone 13-2 in Wheeler's 15 starts. In July, Wheeler has been particularly lethal, striking out 34 batters while walking only three over 17 2/3 innings.

Wheeler's recent outings highlight his current form. On July 7, he struck out 14 batters over seven innings in a 4-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Five days later, he recorded 10 strikeouts and allowed two hits over six innings in a 5-0 shutout of the Detroit Tigers, marking his third consecutive game with double-digit strikeouts.

This production has helped the Phillies recover from a 9-19 start that resulted in the firing of manager Rob Thomson. Under replacement manager Don Mattingly, the Phillies have improved to a 54-43 record, leaving them two games behind the Atlanta Braves for the National League East lead.