Zack Wheeler is headed to the major leagues, perhaps putting Rafael Montero next in line among the pitching prospects within the Mets farm system.
The Mets, who fell, 6-3, to the Cubs last night, promoted Montero to Triple-A Las Vegas yesterday to replace Wheeler, who is scheduled to make his major league debut in Game 2 of Tuesday’s doubleheader in Atlanta.
The 22-year-old Montero was 7-3 with a 2.43 ERA in 11 starts at Double-A Binghamton with 72 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings. But Terry Collins isn’t about to project when Montero might be wearing a Mets uniform.
“Our rotation is pitching pretty good, and we’re adding another guy to it,” Collins said before the Mets faced the Cubs last night. “So I hope Montero goes [to Las Vegas] and pitches very well there.”
Collins cautioned Montero is facing an innings limit of about 150 this season. Including a spot start the right-hander made for Las Vegas, he has pitched 73 1/3 innings so far.
“He’s going to get to that 150-innings mark real fast because he’s been getting deep into games in Binghamton,” Collins said. “It could be … you’re looking up in the middle of August, he’s going to be spent anyway, but I’ll certainly keep track of how he’s doing.”
* Johan Santana was at Citi Field yesterday, his first visit since undergoing surgery near the end of spring training to repair the re-tear of the anterior capsule in his left shoulder. The lefty has begun rehab and told Collins he still intends to pitch again.
“He had a great attitude — can’t wait to continue and hopefully come back and pitch again,” Collins said. “The [shoulder] flexibility is good, and he feels good about it. He told me the first surgery … he couldn’t even get his arm over his head. Now he can do that and some other things, so he’s very happy where he’s at.”
* Ruben Tejada [quadriceps] has begun fielding grounders in place, but he’s not running on the field yet.
* Scott Atchison will remain in Double-A at least through today and may make a rehab stop in Triple-A before returning to the Mets, according to Collins. The Mets want the veteran reliever to pitch on consecutive days in Binghamton before determining his next step.
* Pedro Feliciano has been moved to Binghamton for continuation of his rehab. He’s been strengthening his shoulder and overcoming food poisoning. He last appeared in a minor league game on May 3 for Single-A St. Lucie.