With Wheeler Day less than a day away, the young right-hander has one goal he’d like to accomplish tomorrow night at U.S. Cellular Field when he takes on Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox and that is to cut down the free passes.
Speaking on a conference call with reporters, Zack Wheeler said, “I walked a lot of people last time. I just got to keep my walks down.”
He should be less jittery this time around, but the 23-year old says he is unfazed. It’s just like any other start,” he said. “It’s not a big deal.”
Wheeler walked five batters in his debut on Thursday in his hometown Atlanta, but none scored during his six shutout innings against the Braves.
Manager Terry Collins like what he saw that day. “I tell you what, Wheeler is a little laid back when he is not on the mound but when he is out there, he’s one competitive son of a gun,’’ Collins said. “I was really, really impressed.
“There were two innings against the Braves when he walked two guys each inning and had to get out of it, and you know what? It was like he said, ‘All right, that’s enough of this garbage.’ ’’
When he takes the hill against White Sox ace Sale, Wheeler will face one of the American League’s best young pitchers. It should make for a great game and a good old fashioned pitcher’s duel.
