If Las Vegas 51s manager Wally Backman has his way, he might lose the services of his best starting pitcher in the next few weeks. That is because Backman manages the Mets' Triple-A affiliate, where big-time pitching prospect Zack Wheeler is trying to force his way to the majors.
"Personally, I think if he has a couple of more starts like his last start he'll be headed to the big leagues, and rightfully so," Backman said in a radio interview, via ESPN.com.
Wheeler struck out four batters and allowed just three hits in six shutout innings Monday against Sacramento. He has lowered his ERA in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League to 4.00, after allowing just one run in his previous two starts. Wheeler has 40 strikeouts and 17 walks in 36 innings at Triple-A.
Wheeler is expected to be called up some time after the team can ensure he does not reach Super Two eligibility, but there is no set date for that. He entered the season ranked No. 11 in Baseball America's prospect rankings and No. 8 in MLB.com's.