New York Mets Zack Wheeler Sharp In First Start Since Tommy John Surgery
New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler made his 2017 spring training debut on Friday afternoon. This was an important start for him, as it was his first one since having Tommy John surgery.
It is unclear right now what Zack Wheeler‘s role will be with the New York Mets in 2017. He is currently competing for the final spot in the starting rotation and made a good first impression on Friday.
Wheeler has been sidelined for the past two years due to an elbow injury. He was diagnosed with a torn UCL in his right elbow during spring training two seasons ago and underwent Tommy John surgery in order to fix the tear.
He tried to make a comeback at the end of last season but had to be shut down after being diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his pitching arm. He is finally healthy, which means that he has a chance to make the Mets rotation.
In his first game since having the surgery, Wheeler had a solid outing. The Mets were taking on the Atlanta Braves in Kissimmee. Wheeler pitched two innings and only allowed one earned run on two hits. He gave up one walk and had one strikeout. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that Wheeler reached 94 mph at one point.
In his first start in two years, Zack Wheeler allowed one run, two hits, one walk, one strikeout over two innings. He reached 94 mph. #Mets
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 10, 2017
This first start was definitely a positive sign for Wheeler. He still has a long way to go to show the Mets that he is still capable of being a good everyday starter. Getting back on the mound and pitching well was a good first step, though.
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Now, Wheeler is going to have to follow up this outing with a few more strong ones. That will be the best way to convince Mets manager Terry Collins that he is deserving of the fifth starter spot in the rotation.
Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman are the other two pitchers competing with Wheeler for the final spot in the Mets starting rotation. Lugo is currently pitching for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. He had a dominant start on Friday, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings as Puerto Rico beat Venezuela 11-0.
Gsellman has looked good during spring training thus far. After being called up in August of last season, he pitched very well for the Mets. In eight games pitched, seven of which were starts, Gsellman went 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA. There are three good pitchers trying to earn a spot in the rotation. Wheeler has his work cut out for him.
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The next few starts for Wheeler will be very significant. If he continues to have success, then there is a good chance that he will be named the Mets fifth starter.