Zack Wheeler has been arguably the Mets best pitcher in the 2017 season despite being out the last two seasons.
In March, Wheeler was fighting for a spot in the team’s rotation and the only reason he made it is due to an injury to Steven Matz. Sounds an awful lot like his teammate, Michael Conforto, who only made the team due to an injury. It is crazy to think how bad the team would be without those two.
On the season, Wheeler 3.45 ERA over 62.2 innings and a 8.04 K/9 with a 1.356 WHIP. His BB/9 has decreased from 3.84 to 3.73 this season. Wheeler’s success might not look all that impressive but his first two starts of the seasons did not have good results.
His first start, he went four innings and five runs. In his second start, he went 5.2 scoreless innings but left with the bases loaded and two out. Hansel Robles came in and gave up a grand slam so Wheeler was charged three runs. Since then, Wheeler has a 2.72 ERA over 53 innings. In that time, the opposition also has a .305 wOBA.
Wheeler leads the Mets rotation (and 2nd on team) with a 1.5 WAR, has best ERA (3.45) and FIP (3.86) among Mets qualified starters.
Wheeler has become the most dependable arm for the Mets but unfortunately for them, he will likely reach his inning limit around early August.
Regardless, this should be a huge stepping stone for Wheeler in his comeback. He also should be a major piece for the 2018 as well as someone who can be counted on.
