WHEEL’ COMES OFF
Zack blows rotation audition
PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler had a chance Thursday to show the Mets he could be a capable rotation replacement, but instead, he might have secured a plane ticket to Las Vegas, home of the organization’s Triple-A affiliate. In an ugly Grapefruit League performance that wasn’t helped by three Mets errors, Wheeler was removed after only two innings against the Nationals at First Data Field, raising questions not only of whether he should be considered as Jason Vargas’ potential replacement in the rotation but if he belongs on the major league roster. Wheeler threw 58 pitches in the two innings and allowed five runs, three of which were earned, on seven hits with three strikeouts. It followed an equally brutal performance against the Nationals in his previous start, when Wheeler allowed five earned runs on seven hits over three innings. “I am highly disappointed,” Wheeler said. “I have got to keep my head up, though. I am feeling healthy, feeling good, but maybe just off a little mechanically, and hopefully I can get that figured out quick.” With Vargas sidelined following surgery to remove the hamate bone in his right (non- pitching) hand, the Mets have been considering Wheeler as their potential fifth starter to begin the season. But Wheeler may have squandered his opportunity, finishing the exhibition season with an 8.10 ERA and 22 hits allowed in 10 innings. The right-hander did not pitch beyond the third inning in any of his five starts.
“It looks to me like maybe Wheeler is putting a little pressure on himself,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “He is trying to be too fine at times, falling behind, and then you end up having to groove a fastball because the last thing you want to do is walk a guy. He’s just not getting ahead quite enough right now.”
Seth Lugo pitched four scoreless innings in relief and could be another rotation option if Vargas isn’t ready to start the season. Lugo, who has pitched to a 2.87 ERA this spring, is stretched out enough according to Callaway that he probably could throw 75-80 pitches in a start if needed.
“I still think we have a decision to make and we’re not quite ready to make it yet,” Callaway said. “We have to continue to evaluate all the pieces we have.”
Would Wheeler have an issue with starting the season at Las Vegas?
“I don’t know. That is a tough question,” Wheeler said. “I am just concentrating on staying healthy and just trying to get innings up here right now and just figure it out.”
Wheeler’s next outing before
the regular season will likellikely come in a simulated game early next week, according to Callaway.
The 27-year-old Wheeler returned last season after two years of rehab from Tommy John surgery and went 3-7 with a 5.21 ERA in 17 appearances. Wheeler was shut down for the final two months of the season after suffering a stress reaction in his right arm. In the offseason, Wheeler began daily injections to help him build up bone strength.
Wheeler’s latest appearance came on the same day Vargas returned to the team, following his hi Tuesday surgery. The lefty threw Thursday — he had somebody beside him to receive the return throws — and indicated he probably won’t know about his potential availability for his first turn in the rotation until next week.
“We’ll do what’s best for the team,” Vargas said. “I am not going to go out there and try to jeopardize anything for one start, but at the same time, if I can go out there and if I feel there shouldn’t be any reason I should pitch, I am going to go out there.”