Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that Jason Vargas will start Monday against the Marlins with Zack Wheeler pitching Tuesday.
The Mets decided to skip Vargas the last time through the rotation. They had him throw a simulated game, without a L-screen this time, in hopes of getting his command back that is so vital to his success.
Vargas, 35, is 0-3 with a 13.86 ERA and 8.90 FIP across three starts this season. Fresh off an MLB-leading 18 wins last season, he has not been close to as effective as he was last year as the Mets tried to navigate around a start, taking advantage of off days.
Despite his allowing four earned runs in four innings his last start, he lowered his ERA from 16.20 to his current mark. He has not pitched more than 4.2 innings in a start this season.
Wheeler, 27, is just 2-3 on the season with a 5.92 ERA and 4.62 FIP. In 38.0 innings he has struck out 38 and walked 17.
