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Mets 2017 Season Preview: Who will earn the fifth starter slot?
James Stumper Jr, Staff Writer
Based on last year, I would have to say the job is Robert Gsellman’s to lose. Down the stretch last year, he pitched to a 2.42 ERA over eight starts and allowed just one home run, pitching at a much higher level than anyone could have expected.
Although you could definitely say the same for Seth Lugo, I like Lugo to start out as a long reliever/spot starter for the beginning of the season.
As for Zack Wheeler, I just don’t know how reasonable it is to expect him to break camp as a member of the rotation and stay healthy for any length of time while also complying with his innings limit. It’s disappointing, but I would say if Wheeler starts at all this season it will happen later on, after being handled with care in order to get him back on the mound.