NEW YORK _ Of the four starters the Mets could trade before the July 31 trade deadline, Zack Wheeler is the only one truly available.
The Mets are open to dealing the righty, and he showcased why teams are interested in acquiring the righty by taking care of the Padres in a 6-3 win on Tuesday night at Citi Field. Wheeler (4-6) allowed two runs in seven innings while walking just one batter.
Michael Conforto added a two-run homer off lefty Eric Lauer while Devin Mesoraco gave the Mets the lead for good with a bases-clearing double in the first.
While the Mets could move Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom or Steven Matz, all indications are the three will be Mets through the remainder of the year. Wheeler, however, may be pitching for a contender come Aug. 1.
Wheeler is only under contract through next season, and he could perhaps net pieces that could help the Mets in 2019 when they should have a strong rotation with or without him. The Mets have shown this year that elite pitching doesn't necessarily result in wins.
A source recently said the Mets had not had significant talks with teams regarding Wheeler, and it may be tough for the Mets to get proper value back for the righty. All trade decisions the Mets are making are with the goal of contending in 2019.
Monday marked Wheeler's second-to-last start before the trade deadline, and he cruised aside from a bump in the third inning. Wheeler allowed a two-run single to Wil Myers that inning that sliced the Mets' lead to 3-2, but he retired the final 12 batters he faced.
Wheeler allowed just four hits and struck out three batters.
He has now thrown at least six innings in 12 of his last 15 starts, and he now owns a 3.50 ERA spanning his last 10 starts.
Conforto's two-run homer marked his second in four games, and the outfielder is swinging a hot bat after a disappointing first half.
Jeff McNeil's time as a major leaguer began with him missing his original flight to New York and instead having to catch a later flight.
"It all happened so fast," McNeil said Tuesday afternoon.
McNeil ultimately arrived with plenty of time to spare, and the Mets added the hot-hitting infielder to the roster. McNeil hit .342 with a 1.028 OPS spanning Class AA and AAA.
He singled to center as a pinch-hitter in the eighth and received a loud ovation.
"He's an option at second, third, and he's an option to also maybe help out in the outfield on occasion," Mets manager Mickey Callaway said. "Multiple positions, which is good, and swinging the bat well and we're excited he's going to be a possibility for us."
McNeil is known for his bat, and not that long ago Callaway said the Mets viewed the infielder only as a second baseman. The team used him at several positions over the last few weeks, and they are now willing to use him at multiple positions.
McNeil did not start Tuesday against the Padres with the Mets opting for utility man Phil Evans due to his strong numbers against lefties in the minors. Evans took the spot of utility man Ty Kelly, who was yet again designated for assignment.
"We feel comfortable with (McNeil) at multiple positions now," Callaway said.
