Aug
22
2012

Wheeler Struggles in Short Outing as Buffalo Falls 4-2

An article by NYMets945

The Yankees rallied for three runs in the sixth inning of a 4-2 victory over the Bisons on a sunny Tuesday afternoon at Coca-Cola Field. The loss was the Herd’s third straight.

Through three innings, Zack Wheeler was pitching great following a poor outing last time, allowing only a walk over three innings. In the 4th inning, Wheeler’s struggles began as he allowed a walk, single, sacrifice fly, and another walk but escaped only allowing one run.

Wheeler rebounded with a quick 1-2-3 fifth inning, but in the sixth, Wheeler’s afternoon was cut short. He let up a lead off double, single and error scored a run to tie the game, followed by another single, RBI ground out, and single to score the fourth run which completed his outing. Wheeler ended the afternoon completing five and a third innings, allowing five hits, four runs, three earned runs, three walks, and three strikeouts. In his four starts in Buffalo, Wheeler has struggled especially due to poor command and leaving fastballs in the middle of the plate. Elvin Ramirez relieved Wheeler throwing one and two-thirds innings with one hit and no runs and Fernando Cabrera ended the game with one inning, one hit, and one walk, and no runs.

The Bisons struggled again offensively accounting for only five hits and went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position. Lucas Duda went 2-for-4 with Brad Emaus, Matt Tuiasosopo, and Adam Loewen adding a hit each. The RBIs were by Tuiasosopo and Oswaldo Navarro.

Herd Rumblings: Collin McHugh will be placed on the New York Mets Taxi Squad on Wednesday due to caution over Johan Santana’s MRI Results. McHugh will either be added to team as a starter and make the start on Thursday in place of Santana or be added to bullpen. It will be McHugh’s major league debut…. McHugh struggled in his first few starts for Buffalo following a promotion in June with 7.07 ERA, but has pitched much better in July (2.49 ERA) and August (2.47 ERA). His last start was Saturday at Fenway Park, where he threw seven innings, zero runs, five hits, and four strikeouts…. Bisons continue their series versus Scranton on Wednesday night 7:05pm with Jenrry Mejia expected to take the mound.

About the Author: Nick Campione

I grew up in a family of Mets fans with my uncle and grandfather as die-hard fans. My traditions run deep as i was born almost exactly a year after the 1986 World Series victory and my parents were married during the World Series. I pride myself on being a huge fan of both the major and minor league side of the Mets, and I follow all the players from the draft and all through the minors.

8 Comments + Add Comment

Mr North Jersey August 22, 2012 at 3:10 pm

Good recap Nick. Elvin did a good job coming in and stranding those base runners Wheeler left on base.
Kymets-maybe next year August 22, 2012 at 7:06 pm

Bust
- Even Flow August 22, 2012 at 7:26 pm
  
  Very premature.
Joey D. August 22, 2012 at 8:29 pm

Hi Nick,

Overall, Zach has been struggling his last 13 starts though he had some great performances sandwiched in-between them. My addition might be slightly off but I count him allowing something in the area of 78 hits, 32 walks, 7 hit batters, 42 earned runs and 69 strikeouts in 77 innings – an approximate ERA of 4.91 during that stretch with a 1.52 WHIP.

http://www.fangraphs.com/statsd.aspx?playerid=sa500722&position=P

Quite different from what he did his first ten starts through June 7th.

http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/6/7/3040895/prospect-spotlight-zack-wheeler

His overall ERA is a fine 3.48 but again on June 7th it was 1.81. He has already pitched 22 more innings that in 2011 but is still scheduled to pitch once or twice before the season closes.
Tommy2cat August 23, 2012 at 5:36 am

No worries. He’s quite young and unpolished. I’ve seen a few of Zach’s outings. Normally, he’s quite dominant. He’s still learning how to pitch out of tough spots, which is normal for this stage in his development.

Through five innings he had yielded just one run.

No worries.
Alex68 August 23, 2012 at 6:35 am

I am not worry. Scouts said he’s got nasty stuff so. Who cares if beltran is having an MVP type year.
- Kay August 23, 2012 at 7:48 am
  
  What does this have to do with Beltran? He was not returning to this organization, so his MVP like season has nothing to do with Wheeler or the NY Mets today.
- Joey D. August 23, 2012 at 9:23 am
  
  Hi Alex,
  
  Glad you mentioned Beltran since I’m accused as the only one bringing up his name. I know a few others have been doing so as of late as well. In fact, in his interview with Mike Francesa yesterday afternoon, Sandy was talking with him about the team going south after a very good first half each of the last two seasons. Though he didn’t mention Beltran by name, he even acknowledged that the team went down last year following the moves that were made.

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