New York Yankees: All it takes is one more magical run to barrel roll into playoffs

New York Yankees: All it takes is one more magical run to barrel roll into playoffs by John Carroll Jr.

The New York Mets are considering shutting down Zack Wheeler for the season. Considering the circumstances, they should go ahead and do that.

With all else being a bust with the New York Mets this year, at least they have taken the last month and a half to show us they might be onto something for 2019.

One of those things they are onto is the emergence of Zack Wheeler. Wheeler has been lights out since the All-Star break. Before giving up four earned in a win vs the Phillies on Monday night, his ERA post-break was 1.32.

That rivals almost no pitcher in baseball. However, the Mets should still shut him down and call it a career year.

There is really no way to put in besides that Wheeler got into a groove and executed perfectly every start. His starts have become something that is actually fun to watch and not dreadful.

Wheeler always had the potential. So, only the timing of his career revival is what seems random.

However, this is by the far the most innings Wheeler has pitched in a season. He is already at 182.1 innings pitched this season. Going over 100 innings pitched is not something he had done since 2014 where he went 185.1.

So, he is already on pace to shatter that mark. To go three years without pitching 100 innings then all of a sudden go what is on pace for around 200, is not really all that unreasonable, he is a professional.

However, the Mets are bad. They are playing well, but it means nothing. Also, Wheeler is on a tear putting on a clinic each and every night.

If Wheeler’s season were to end at the time of this writing, it would end on a high note and he would have all the confidence in the World.

More importantly, Wheeler is already a lock to make the 2019 rotation.

Sure, he might feel physically fine now. But, after a bizarre rain delay saw him recently leave a game when he was on cruise control in the eighth inning is alarming considering his injury history. It was circumstantial, but not ideal.

But, this is more about what Wheeler would be pitching for. He wouldn’t be pitching for anything.

The Mets are not even playing spoiler anymore. He is no longer pitching for his job. There is no point to risk injury or to let him get rattled.

Now, would be a great time to end his season on a high note and let a pitcher like Corey Oswalt get some extra starts. Give a pitcher like Steven Matz more of a focus.

Wheeler has done his job this year. He finally became the great pitcher we could all count on. There is even an argument he became the team’s number two starter over Noah Syndergaard and behind Jacob deGrom.

So, if the Mets, who are considering shutting Wheeler down for the year, do so, that would be the correct decision.

The Mets cannot keep playing with fire with him.

They have nothing to play for this year and might have a killer weapon for next year. The safest thing to do is stop Wheeler now while he is all there physically and mentally.

The Mets are all-in on 2019 now. Plus, the rest of 2018 is all about David Wright anyway. Zack Wheeler does not need to waste pointless innings. He will still be there for his teammates farewell, hopefully without pitching.