Wheeler’s Return Defies Odds as Fantasy Pitchers Face Command Crisis

Zack Wheeler has returned to near pre-injury form following Thoracic Outlet surgery, pitching seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 35-year-old ace averaged 96.3 mph with his fastball, a velocity 1.6 mph higher than his previous start, marking the highest average since last July. Despite undergoing a procedure that involved the removal of a rib and significant weight loss, Wheeler allowed only four hits and one walk, demonstrating a resurgence that defies typical recovery timelines for pitchers in their mid-30s.

Conversely, command issues have plagued other key fantasy assets. Eury Perez recorded a poor outing, surrendering five runs on five hits and four walks while struggling to locate his pitches. Jose Soriano also experienced a setback in control during a six-run performance, allowing six walks and just one hit in 5.1 innings. These outings have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of their recent performance trajectories, with Soriano’s ERA rising to 6.35 across three May starts.

Other notable updates include Gerrit Cole’s successful rehabilitation start. Pitching for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Cole averaged 97 mph with his four-seam fastball, a velocity higher than his average for any season since 2022. This performance provides confidence that Cole is returning with his stuff intact, although he may not immediately replicate his vintage form against major league competition.

Yoshinobu Sasaki achieved a career-high number of strikeouts in a single game, striking out eight batters over seven innings while limiting the Angels to one run and zero walks. Sasaki has recorded 22 strikeouts to just four walks in his past four starts, a metric that analysts describe as the best he has looked in his Major League Baseball career. His improved command and expanded arsenal have contributed to this surge in effectiveness.

Bryce Harper demonstrated an offensive rebound, hitting a home run in consecutive games to raise his season batting average to .282. Despite a lower average exit velocity, Harper’s improved plate discipline and elevated line drive metrics suggest a sustainable return to form. Meanwhile, Grayson Rodriguez made his return from injury with a rough debut, allowing seven runs in 3.2 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers, though he remained healthy and maintained velocity averages consistent with his pre-injury levels.