Command problems plagued Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler during a 6-2 loss to the Royals Sunday. The rookie right-hander tied a season-high with five walks, while striking out five.
Wheeler (4-2) was charged with four runs (three earned) on five hits in five innings. Wheeler tossed three scoreless innings before Mike Moustakas tallied the first run of the game on a solo home run in the fourth inning. Wheeler lost for the first time in seven starts.
The Mets are returning to a five-man rotation until Jonathon Niese (shoulder) comes off the disabled list, so Wheeler will make his next start Saturday at Arizona.