MLB Player News

It can probably go without saying, but now is absolutely the time to make a move for Zack Wheeler.

Even before Wheeler's return from shoulder inflammation Wednesday, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said he hoped to see the top prospect in the big leagues 2-3 starts after that. A Mets official confirmed that timetable Thursday, not that he needed to. Alderson is the one and only person who gets to decide when Wheeler arrives. Rarely is there so much clarity for a prospect with so much upside.

That's why you shouldn't hesitate to act. Wheeler has an ace pedigree and would be the highest-profile pitching prospect to reach the majors this year. Plus, the Mets wouldn't be calling him up as an injury fill-in or spot starter. Once he's here, he's here for good.

Mets pitching prospect Zack Wheeler will make 2-3 starts in the minors before making his big-league debut, a team official told The New York Post Thursday.

Wheeler allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks over five innings in his first start Wednesday since being skipped in the rotation with soreness in the AC joint in his right shoulder. He clocked in at 100 mph, but was mostly in the 95-97 mph range in his last start.

Wheeler is 3-1 with a 3.91 ERA in nine starts with Triple-A Las Vegas. Barring any setbacks, he could make his debut at some point between June 6-11.

At the start of spring training, Patrick Corbin was not even assured a spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation, after putting up a 4.54 ERA as a rookie in 2012. After nine starts, however, he has made a case for being the best pitcher in the National League so far this season. His 7-0 record and 1.44 ERA are opening eyes.

"It's impressive," D-backs Opening Day starter Ian Kennedy told MLB.com Thursday. "You're talking about a guy that people said might barely make the team in the fifth spot. He pitches well in Spring Training, but it's Spring Training. Then the season starts and he's doing pretty good now. He's on a roll now. I'm impressed."

Corbin is coming off his best start of the season, a complete-game three-hitter in a win over the Rockies that pushed him into the NL lead in wins. He also ranks second in ERA, eighth in WHIP (0.98) and has a miniscule .196 batting average allowed. 

Mets pitching prospect Zack Wheeler admitted Thursday that he was not at his best in his return from shoulder inflammation Wednesday. Wheeler, who admitted to being rusty, had his turn skipped in the rotation due his shoulder issue.

"Honestly, nothing was working real well for me today," he said to the New York Post. "Taking 10 days off and missing a start this late in the season and coming back as sharp as you were is tough."

Wheeler hit 100 mph on the radar gun, but reportedly saw his velocity dip as the start went on. He allowed two home runs among his five hits, surrendering three runs in five innings of work.

Wheeler expects to be fine for his next turn in the rotation. 

Mets pitching prospect Zack Wheeler was back on the mound Wednesday for Triple-A Las Vegas after being skipped in the rotation with inflammation in his right shoulder.

Wheeler pitched five innings against the Iowa Cubs, allowing three earned runs on five hits and two walks. He hit a batter and struck out two, while being held to 67 pitches. 

Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu moved to 5-2 with a win Wednesday over Milwaukee.

Ryu gave up two runs over 7 1/3 innings with six hits and two walks allowed. He struck out four. His ERA is down to 3.30 and he has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his last six starts.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said during a television interview Tuesday he hopes pitching prospect Zack Wheeler will be in line for a promotion to the majors after two or three more starts for Triple-A Las Vegas, according to the New York Post. Wheeler is returning to action Wednesday for the first time since May 11 because of mild inflammation of the AC joint in his right shoulder.

Marlins pitcher Nate Eovaldi is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, before beginning his minor-league rehab assignment with 60-65 pitches in a start at Class A Jupiter Saturday, according to manager Mike Redmond.

Eovlaldi has been on the 60-day disabled list since spring training due to shoulder inflammation. 

Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg was at the top of his game Tuesday against the Giants, but it was not enough to get him a win, thanks to the team's bullpen woes.

Strasburg pitched seven strong inning in the game, the third time in his last four starts he has gone at least seven innings. He held the Giants to just one run on five hits and three walks while striking out seven batters. He had nine groundball outs to just four fly ball outs, and allowed only singles in the outing.

Unfortunately, his strong effort was wasted, as the Nationals' bullpen allowed three runs in 2 1/3 innings, in a 10-inning, 4-2 loss. Strasburg remains 2-5 on the season, with a 2.66 ERA.

Strasburg will try to get back on the winning side in his next outing, scheduled for Monday against the Rays. 

Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke endured a rough outing as he dropped his first decision of the season Tuesday night against the Brewers.

Greinke, who made his second start since returning from a broken left collarbone, gave up nine hits, five earned runs and three walks -- all a season high --  in four innings of work against his former team. Greinke was traded to the Angels midseason in 2012 before signing with the Dodgers in the offseason.

"I didn't think about it at all," Greinke said. "Everything was bad, not just command. Just no feel out there, no adjustments to be made. Started out bad. I got out of some jams early but never really got better."

Greinke has allowed six runs in 9 1/3 innings of work since returning from injury. He will try to bounce back Monday at home against another former team -- the Angels.