Report: Mets Strongly Considering Giving Wheeler The Ball On Opening Day
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets' pitching staff is loaded, so who will get the ball on opening day when the Amazin's take on the division-rival Nationals on April 6?
Manager Terry Collins hasn't revealed that information, and likely won't for some time considering spring training has just begun.
But according to Mike Puma of the New York Post, right-hander Zack Wheeler is being strongly considered to throw New York's first pitch of the season.
Other candidates are reigning National League Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom and ace Matt Harvey, who didn't pitch last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Collins told reporters this past weekend that Harvey -- whose workload is expected to be slightly limited in 2015 -- will not be skipped to start the season and will make his debut in one of the first five games. It's highly unlikely that he'll start opening day, though he might be in line to pitch the home opener against the Phillies on April 13.
Rounding out the rotation is Jon Niese, Bartolo Colon and Dillon Gee. It's hard to fathom Niese or Colon getting the nod on April 6, and Gee might be moved to the bullpen if he's not traded in the coming weeks.
Gee, who was the subject of trade rumors all offseason, is not expected to be dealt during camp.
Wheeler, 24, is entering his third season with the Mets. In 2014 he went 11-11 with a 3.54 ERA in 32 starts, striking out 187 and walking 79 in 185 1/3 innings.
