Phillies’ Zack Wheeler wins NL Pitcher of the Month
Wheeler posted a 0.58 ERA in five June starts. “I’m not sure if I’ve had a pitcher, whether I’m coaching or managing, that has had a month like that,” said Rob Thomson.
The Phillies’ Zack Wheeler was named National League Pitcher of the Month for June on Thursday.
Wheeler had a 0.58 ERA over 31 innings in five June starts. He allowed two earned runs with 42 strikeouts and seven walks with a 0.87 WHIP. Opponents batted .180 against him.
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“I’m not sure if I’ve had a pitcher, whether I’m coaching or managing, that has had a month like that,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Monday.
Wheeler has won pitcher of the month once before, in May 2022.
He pitched eight shutout innings in his most recent start, a 4-0 victory over the Padres on Monday, with 10 strikeouts and no walks. He induced 19 swings-and-misses.
Wheeler likely will be named to the NL All-Star team. Starters were announced Wednesday, and the rest of the team, including pitchers, will be unveiled Sunday.
Despite playing only two seasons for the Phillies, Aaron Rowand left his mark. Literally. Twenty years ago Monday, Rowand smashed into the center-field fence and broke bones in his face to make a catch. And if that didn’t instantly boost his popularity with the fan base, his answer four days later to a question about why he would sacrifice his body certainly did. Rowand joins Phillies Extra to reminisce about “The Catch,” his role in helping to change the culture around the Phillies, and a lot more. Watch here.
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