The Philadelphia Phillies have started the season slowly, with a current record of 9-8 following a recent victory against the Colorado Rockies on Monday.
Both their offense and pitching have encountered difficulties, particularly with the Phillies’ hitters falling short of preseason expectations. While there have been notable performances on the pitching mound, there have also been some subpar outings.
Nevertheless, baseball often hinges on luck, as exemplified by pitcher Zach Wheeler’s experiences this season. Despite a 3.0 ERA, Wheeler has amassed an impressive 30 strikeouts over 24.0 innings pitched. His 3.0 2.56 FIP suggests that his ERA may decrease in forthcoming starts. Despite his strong performance, Wheeler’s win-loss record stands at 0-3, underscoring the influence of luck on his results.
In MLB.com’s initial Cy Young poll of the season, Wheeler leads the National League with the most first-place votes, securing 20 votes compared to Tyler Glasnow’s 16.
Jason Foster acknowledges the challenges Wheeler has faced due to bad luck but highlights his exceptional advanced metrics. Wheeler ranks in the 94th percentile for chase rate and boasts a career-high strikeout rate. According to Baseball Savant, Wheeler’s expected ERA, expected batting average, whiff percentage, walk percentage, and offspeed run value all surpass league averages.
Given Wheeler’s impressive statistics, he is poised for a stronger performance throughout the season. While it remains uncertain if he will clinch the Cy Young award, his early season dominance, particularly evident in his 30 strikeouts, sets him apart from his peers.
