Wheeler earns players' comeback award

Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler won the National League Comeback Player award from the Major League Baseball Players Association. The announcement came on Wednesday. Wheeler beat out Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins and Martín Pérez of the Braves in the vote.

Wheeler returned to the mound this season after a long recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome. The condition caused a blood clot near his right shoulder. It developed when a vein compressed between his collarbone and rib cage. Several pitchers have had their careers interrupted by this injury.

Wheeler underwent two procedures. The first removed the clot. The second removed a rib to relieve pressure on the vein. His recovery required physical therapy and a strict diet. Wheeler left spring training weighing about 195 pounds. That was roughly 10 pounds less than his normal weight.

He started the season on April 25 in Atlanta. His first pitch hit 95 mph. He did not miss a start for the rest of the year. The 36-year-old right-hander finished with a 14-5 record. He posted a 3.00 earned run average and recorded 193 strikeouts in 162 innings.

Wheeler struggled for a stretch in August. He went winless in six starts. He ended the season with a 4-0 record and a 1.67 ERA in his final six appearances. He held Tampa Bay to one run in six innings during the season finale. That performance helped the Phillies clinch the final National League wild card spot.

The All-Star break presented a challenge. Wheeler had a 2.13 ERA through 15 starts. However, he was not selected for the All-Star team. He started the Phillies' last game before the break. He did not let that affect his performance after the pause.

Wheeler discussed his mindset during a September interview. He said he expected to return to his previous level of play. “To be expected,” he said. “When you have surgery, or anything along those lines, you just have to stay positive and keep a strong mindset, you know?”

He added that the extra time allowed him to strengthen and fine-tune his mechanics. “For me, it was just come back, hit the ground running, and just be the same guy as I was, if not better,” Wheeler said. He remains the highest-paid pitcher in baseball. He has one season left on a three-year, $126 million contract extension.

Wheeler indicated in 2024 that 2027 might be his final season. He described his future plans as uncertain. “Honestly, I mean, it’s just still up in the air,” he said. “I think a lot of things have to kind of play out for me just to be able to see.”

Wheeler is also a candidate for Major League Baseball's official Comeback of the Year award. The league will announce that winner on Nov. 11. The ceremony will take place at the annual awards show in Las Vegas. The 30 MLB.com club beat reporters will vote on the recipient.