What happened: Phillies analyst Jon Morosi noted that Zack Wheeler made his season debut on April 25, and Philadelphia has gone 22-11 since that date. That stretch is the second-best record in the National League over the span. The Phillies are 6-1 in games Wheeler starts.
Why it matters: Wheeler's return has coincided with Philadelphia's climb, underscoring how central the ace remains to the rotation's stability. The surge matters in a tight National League race, though a reply to the post pointed out the Phillies still sit 9.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves. Sustaining the pace will determine whether the gap closes before the summer.
By the numbers: Since April 25: Phillies 22-11, 2nd-best record in the NL. In Wheeler starts: 6-1. Division deficit: 9.5 games behind the Braves. Wheeler remains the rotation anchor.
What to watch: Watch whether Philadelphia can keep winning Wheeler's starts and chip into Atlanta's lead over the coming weeks.