Fansided

New York Mets Send Zack Wheeler Back Down To Minors

By Bryan Rose

Feb 23, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (65) throws in the third inning during a spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (65) throws in the third inning during a spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 18, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite an impressive debut which lead to a beer shower, New York Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler has been sent back to the minors.

The Mets decided to option the Georgia native after they acquired speedy outfielder Eric Young from the Colorado Rockies, who was DFA’d last week.

"#Mets acquire OF Eric Young, Jr. from #Rockies for RHP Collin McHugh; DFA OF Collin Cowgill, option RHP Zack Wheeler to Triple-A Las Vegas."

However, it’s not all doom and gloom as the move was more procedural than anything. Given the doubleheader the Atlanta Braves and Mets played today, Wheeler was “technically” the 26th man on the roster and had to be sent back down, per MLB rules. It’s expected that he’ll be recalled before his next turn in the rotation.

As our own Josh Bresser documented earlier, Wheeler was fantastic in his first major league start, throwing six scoreless innings while striking out seven.

The young Wheeler, who still at times struggles with his command, did well in the hitter heavy Pacific Coast League this season prior to his call-up, posting a 4-2 record with 3.93 ERA and 73 strikeouts in just shy of 70 innings.

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