Mets 2017 Season Preview: Who will earn the fifth starter slot?

By Michelle Ioannou
Sep 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Robert Gsellman (65) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Robert Gsellman (65) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bryan Carroll, Staff Writer 

I predict Zack Wheeler getting the fifth and final rotation spot. Robert Gsellman will finish right behind him. As soon as one of the starters need to miss a start, Gsellman will be the man.

Wheeler is supposed to finally be back and be healthy. He’s got a fresh start for spring and depending on how he pitches throughout the spring, I see him taking the last spot.

The front office and the coaches want to see Wheeler on the mound. It’s been two years since we’ve seen him pitch, so I don’t think they’re going to waste time with him in Vegas or the bullpen. Even Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen said he thinks Wheeler coming out of the bullpen would be difficult.

What’s going to be tricky is Wheeler’s innings limit. Since they were able to just experience a post-Tommy John season with Harvey, they’ll be able to handle Wheeler throughout the year.

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