Major League Baseball

MLB Quick Hits: Replacing Wheeler

Published Mar. 17, 2015 5:54 a.m. ET

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John Halpin

You've probably heard the bad news about Mets SP Zack Wheeler, who has a torn UCL and is headed for Tommy John surgery. Dillon Gee is Wheeler's likely replacement in the Mets' rotation, but should he be a fantasy consideration?

Gee's 3.91 career ERA isn't terrible, but it's 3.36 at home and 4.56 on the road, and he won't be helped by CitiField's newer, cozier outfield dimensions. Also, every good Triple-A start from prospects Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz (likely in that order) will have the NYC media and fans clamoring for promotions. Even in an NL-only league, why would you want a 4.00-ish ERA guy who's a placeholder for his real-life team? Pass on Gee in all formats.

Restrict your Syndergaard interest to NL-only leagues unless your deeper mixed circuit has a deep bench on which you can easily stash him for a month or two. Syndergaard is a highly talented prospect who throws hard, throws strikes and has a bright future. He'll probably make 15-20 starts for the Mets in 2015, but as with most rookies, we can expect some growing pains. Over at FanGraphs, the Steamer and ZiPS projection systems have his ERA in the 3.50-3.60 range.

In other news ...

The Reds still have a four-man battle for their final two rotation slots, but Tony Cingrani isn't a candidate.

Expect to see OF Rusney Castillo (oblique) back in the Red Sox lineup on Wednesday. Teammate Joe Kelly was removed from Monday's start due to biceps tightness, and his prognosis is TBD.

Brandon Morrow is making a strong push for the Padres' final rotation slot. How many times can one fantasy pitcher suck me into drafting him, even though I know he'll get hurt and leave me shaking my head? Ask me again in a week or two.

Phillies SP Cliff Lee (elbow) is on the 60-day DL, and will try to rehab his way to health instead of getting surgery. I hope this works out, but it doesn't sound promising.

Best Power Hitter Ever Kris Bryant will DH again today, as the Cubs are resting his right shoulder. Nothing to worry about, folks.

The Blue Jays' website calls Brett Cecil the "obvious choice" to close games, and adds that "there doesn't appear to be much doubt" that he'll pitch the ninth inning. We sort of knew this already, but those words are pretty strong. Cecil's current ADP at NFBC is 312, which makes him a terrific endgame closer option.

In other Jays' news, the team has reportedly signed lefty Randy Wolf to a minor-league deal. Wolf will pitch at Triple A, hanging around in case of (further) emergency to the Jays' rotation.

Lefty Robbie Ray had a strong outing on Monday, helping his cause to make the D-backs' rotation. Unfortunately, his minor-league track record includes many bases on balls. Avoid, even in NL-only leagues.

Alex Gordon's surgically-repaired wrist has healed to the point where he'll play intrasquad games today and tomorrow. He should be ready for Opening Day.

Everth Cabrera - who averaged 40 stolen bases in 2012-13 - played center field for the Orioles on Tuesday. Buck Showalter likes Cabrera's versatility, and said after the game, "I think the only two places I probably wouldn't play him are first base and catcher, and pitcher. I think everything else. I'm hoping if he makes the club, that's what he can do for us." Take note, speed-hungry AL-only owners. 

See you back here tomorrow morning.

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