Mets Pass On Harvey For Saturday's Start, Don't Expect Wheeler Debut In 2012
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The Mets have a serious hole to fill in their rotation with Dillon Gee likely out for the season.
But those hoping to see prospect Matt Harvey as soon as Saturday will have to wait a bit longer. As for Zack Wheeler, fans will have to wait until next season to see his debut.
"(Harvey's) development and future are independent of our needs in 2012," Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Tuesday. "I think it's more likely than not that he'll pitch in New York some this season. It just won't be Saturday at Citi Field. It could be shortly after that. We want to make sure when he starts his major-league career, it's an auspicious start."
Veteran Miguel Batista is expected to get the start against the Dodgers instead. The 23-year-old Harvey didn't do himself any favors with a four-walk audition on Monday at Triple-A.
The prospect allowed two runs over 6 2/3 innings in the 101-pitch effort against Toledo. He's 7-4 with a 3.34 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 19 starts. Those are nice stats, not eye-popping, and Alderson wants the youngster to get some more seasoning in the minors.
Still, it's just a matter of time.
"If he's in our plans for next year, he ought to be pitching here sometime this season," Alderson said. "That just makes sense."
Wheeler, selected by San Francisco 6th overall in the 2009 draft and acquired for Carlos Beltran last July, isn't as close to the big show.
"I don't think there's any scenario in which Zack Wheeler would pitch in New York this season," said Alderson. "He's done extraordinarily well in Double-A. He needs to move to Triple-A."
The 22-year-old is 9-4 with a 2.39 ERA in 16 starts for Double-A Binghamton.
So help isn't immediately on the way from the farm. Alderson also said a trade before the July 31 deadline for a starter is unlikely -- bolstering the bullpen is his "No. 1 priority."
That and keeping his young guns in the Mets organization.
"We don't want to do anything to disrupt 2013 and 2014," said Alderson. "If we think somebody can help us in '13 and '14, we're going to be very reluctant to make a move with that player."
Are the Mets playing all the right cards with Wheeler and Harvey? Be heard in the comments below...
