As was reported earlier this week, tonight’s Mets starter Zack Wheeler, has only 25-28 innings left before he will be shutdown for the season.
The Mets want to keep Wheeler’s innings total to around 175-180 for the season. With the 23-year-old righty already at 151.2 between Triple-A and the majors, the Mets may likely limit him to five innings tonight or a maximum of six no matter how well he is pitching.
The Mets signed veteran starter Aaron Harang to a minor league deal last week with the idea of having him ready to go as the team attempts to use six starters for the rest of September to try and space out Wheeler’s remaining starts.
Harang was released by the Mariners after going 5-11 with a 5.76 ERA in 22 starts this season, but is expected to start at least one and maybe two games for the Mets in September.
“I think we got to protect ourselves with Zack (Wheeler) and with all the other guys,” Terry Collins said. “And we’re gonna need a pitcher for the 14th.”
Wheeler, who pitches against the Cleveland Indians in an inter-league series, has been exceptional on the road this season where he is undefeated (5-0) with a 2.19 ERA and .217 BAA in 49.1 innings spanning eight starts.
His control has been spectacular for the Mets in his last five starts, firing 32.1 innings and allowing just six walks while striking out 31. Overall, Wheeler is 7-3 with a 3.34 ERA in his rookie season.
It should be a good matchup as he faces off against one-time Mets top prospect Scott Kazmir.
