According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, while much can change over the next six weeks, the Mets are strongly considering Zack Wheeler for the Opening Day start at Washington on April 6, according to a club source.
Terry Collins spoke glowingly about Wheeler on Monday in this report by the Daily News.
“He really grew up in the last year,” said Terry Collins. “What he did in the second half, he amped his game up. He started to feel comfortable. He always had that kind of stuff, but he started to realize ‘I am good enough to pitch here.’ When he started to really realize it and what it would take, his game changed.
“I think Zack Wheeler is gonna have a big season,” the Mets manager said.
After going 3-8 with a 4.45 ERA in his first 16 starts of 2014, Wheeler went 8-3 with a 2.71 ERA in his final 16 starts.
Wheeler comes into spring knowing he must cut down on his pitch count — his 4.17 pitchers per plate appearance was the second highest in the majors among qualified pitchers.
I don’t know why this is even being discussed when we still have six weeks to see who steps up and earns the Opening Day start. Although I’d love to know why Wheeler and not Jacob deGrom?
