Collin McHugh continues his incredible season with another solid start on Monday as he allowed just two runs on five hits and a walk while racking up a season-high eight strikeouts. McHugh’s 2.17 ERA ranks fifth in the Eastern League as does his 1.08 WHIP. But what really impresses me is his 53 strikeouts which is the second most in the league. Always known for his tremendous work ethic and his colorful personality, McHugh has made some big strides this season and keeps on delivering one quality start after another. The Mets have something really special here.
On Saturday morning, former Mets top pitching prospect Kevin Mulvey told manager Pedro Lopez that he was retiring after that day’s game. Mulvey never achieved the lofty expectations that were put on him, but he always handled himself with class and dignity so that still makes him a top person if not a top prospect.
Pedro Beato is working his way back and we may see him before too long. Yesterday, Beato pitched for Triple-A Buffalo and went 2/3 of an inning, allowing a walk and notching a strikeout in his second rehab appearance with Triple-A Buffalo. He has been out with a right rotator cuff strain that he sustained in Spring Training and is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on June 3. Not sure if he will be added to the 40-man roster and promoted or simply remain in Buffalo for more seasoning, but when I find out, you’ll find out.
Our Minor League Editor, Pete, had a little exchange with Logan Verrett over the weekend and Verrett told him that he will be joining the rotation and getting the start on June 5th for the Savannah Sand Gnats. He had been sidelined with what the team called a strained right shoulder. Good luck, Logan.
With Jenrry Mejia already in Triple-A Buffalo and scheduled to start for the Bi0343sons on Wednesday, May 30 against the Columbus Clippers at Coca-Cola Field, how long will it be before Zack Wheeler joins him too? Wheeler has been dominating at Binghamton and it may not be long before all four top organizational pitching prospects are all throwing in the same rotation. Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler. Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Famila could all find themselves becoming teammates before long. What makes this gratifying is that for years the Mets best prospects were mostly in the lower levels of the minors, and now that is all about to change.
In case you missed it, Savannah’s RHP Rafael Montero got an honorable mention in this weeks baseball America Hot List. BA said that Montero has opened some eyes with his command of a low-90s fastball in short-season ball last year, and he’s carried that up to his first full year with low Class A Savannah at age 21. Montero leads the South Atlantic League in walks per nine innings (1.22) and ranks fourth in WHIP (0.97). He dropped his ERA to 2.64 with six shutout innings against Augusta on Sunday, allowing only one hit and striking out five to go with two walks. Just another good looking prospect to keep an eye on.
Did you happen to catch the comments Wally Backman made about Jordany Valdespin the other day to Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News? According to Harrington, Backman said, “He’s got all the tools in the world and it’s our job to develop him and get talent out of him. We had a good heart-to-heart talk with the kid. This kid has the ability to be an all-star in the major leagues if he puts it all together and that’s what we’re trying to do. The last three games he’s played like that kind of player.”
Jayson Stark of ESPN, spoke with a scout who follows the Mets who said Zack Wheeler is the best pitcher he’s seen in the minor leagues, and could that he could pitch in the Major Leagues right now. Wheeler is 4-2 with a 1.97 ERA with 21 walks and 51 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings over eight starts this season. There’s zero chance of Wheeler seeing the majors this season and I don’t even expect a September callup. But it’s great to hear raves like this from scouts and it looks like Wheeler may be getting over his bouts with wildness of late.
That’s all for now, catch you later in the week…
Hope you all had a Happy Memorial Day and took a minute to remember all our fallen heroes.
There's no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for a friend.
