Zack Wheeler
From BR Bullpen
Zachary Harrison Wheeler
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 6' 4", Weight 185 lb.
- High School East Paulding High School
- Born May 30, 1990 in Smyrna, GA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Zack Wheeler was a first-round draft pick in 2009. His brother Adam Wheeler pitched four seasons in the minors.
Wheeler was 9-0 with a 0.46 ERA as a high school senior, allowing 31 hits in 76 innings and striking out 149. Baseball America picked him as a first-team high school All-American. The San Francisco Giants chose him with the sixth pick of the 2009 amateur draft, following Stephen Strasburg, Dustin Ackley, Donavan Tate, Tony Sanchez and Matt Hobgood and just ahead of Mike Minor and Mike Leake. He signed with scout Sean O'Connor for a $3.3 million signing bonus, the 5th-highest that year after picks 1-3 and #9 Jacob Turner. He entered 2010 as the #3 Giants prospect as per Baseball America.
Zack began his pro career with the 2010 Augusta GreenJackets, going 1-3 with a 5.06 ERA after 7 games. He had 33 strikeouts but 17 walks in 26 2/3 innings. He was a late addition to the US roster for the 2010 Futures Game. He pitched the fourth inning of the USA's 9-1 win. He entered with a 2-1 lead, replacing Zach Britton. Alex Liddi popped up then Carlos Peguero doubled. Wilkin Ramirez flew out and Wilin Rosario lined out. Mike Minor relieved Wheeler in the fifth.
On July 27, 2011, the Giants sent Wheeler to the New York Mets to obtain All-Star CF Carlos Beltran. He split the season between the San Jose Giants and St. Lucie Mets, going 9-7 with a 3.52 ERA in 22 starts. He had 129 strikeouts in 115 innings, while allowing 100 hits.
[edit] Sources
- 2010 Giants Media Guide
- 2010 Baseball Almanac
