ZACK ATTACK
Wheeler, who has eyes on being part of Mets’ rotation, hopes to continue his hot spring in today’s start
PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler’s start against the Nationals Tuesday may go a long way toward determining the makeup of the Mets’ 2018 bullpen.
After an off day, the Mets will play a split doubleheader, with Wheeler, the talented but injury-plagued right-hander, taking on the Nationals on the road. Noah Syndergaard is scheduled to pitch the first game at home.
Wheeler pitched well in his previous outing, against the Yankees at First Data Field. Despite facing a Bombers lineup that wasn’t exactly a 2018 version of Murderers’ Row, Wheeler tossed three scoreless innings, and he had first-year manager Mickey Callaway gushing afterward.
“Wheeler looked really good. His fastball (velocity), his breaking balls. He’s got a really good arsenal,” Callaway said on March 7.
If Wheeler has another strong outing, it will make the decision for Callaway and pitching coach Dave Eiland that much more difficult as they fashion a bullpen of eight relievers to go along with the five starters when the Mets break camp later this month.
Jeurys Familia, lefty Jerry Blevins, A.J. Ramos and Anthony Swarzak should be locks to take four spots in the bullpen, even though Familia is coming off a rough outing against the Nationals, when the Dominican right-hander gave up five runs in 1.1 innings of work.
Familia said he experienced right shoulder tightness after getting shelled, but added that the discomfort was nothing unusual at this point in the year.
Swarzak is nursing a calf injury, but Callaway said Sunday that the right-hander pitched in a simulated game that day and that he “looked really good.”
Who will make up the remaining four spots in the Mets’ bullpen? Rafael Montero, once touted as a rising star within the organization, has been a disappointment the past two years, and posted a 5.52 ERA last year over 18 starts. Hansel Robles also struggled last year and was sent to Triple-A Las Vegas to work on his mechanics.
Jacob Rhame and Jamie Callahan, both right-handers, and southpaw Matt Purke, could emerge to contend for bullpen spots. Last year with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights — a White Sox affiliate — Purke struck out 80 batters in 65.2 innings pitched. There are also starters Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo to consider switching to the bullpen, perhaps as long relievers. Paul Sewald also seems to be a strong candidate to return as one of the key bullpen cogs.