Zack Wheeler is on the verge of making his debut in the majors leagues for the New York Mets. This isn’t necessarily news we weren’t already aware of, but Mike Puma of the New York Post reported a “high ranking official” in the organization said Wheeler is only two or three starts away from earning a promotion, barring any injuries. The official also told Puma that Jeremy Hefner is the most likely rotation casualty.

The #1 ranked MMN prospect returned to the mound last Wednesday against the Iowa Cubs after missing a start with inflammation in the AC Joint of his throwing shoulder. He earned the win for the Las Vegas 51s, and threw five innings on a strict pitch count. He was a little rusty, allowing three runs on five hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. More importantly, his motion didn’t appear to be affected by the recent injury, and he threw freely off the mound. Getting his fastball in the upper-90s on the radar gun is a good sign he’s healthy, too.

With regard to Wheeler making his MLB debut, it was just a matter of when in 2013. He has all the tools he needs to be successful at the next level, especially now that he’s gained more control of his pitches around the plate. According to Puma’s article, we could be seeing the right-hander in the Orange and Blue as early as June 12th. It just so happens to be the second game of three against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. That will give fans a reason to come out to the ballpark that night.

Earlier this month, Adam Rubin speculated Wheeler could make his debut in Atlanta against the Braves during their June 17th-20th series at Turner Field. Being a native of Dallas, Georgia, I thought that was the perfect time to get his feet wet in the majors; he’d be playing close to his hometown, and he’d be able to get a start or two under his belt on the road before dealing with the New York media. It now looks like the Mets plan to accelerate the calendar a bit.

Wheeler’s next start for Triple-A Las Vegas should be Monday against the Salt Lake Bees at Cashman Field. He currently owns a 3-1 record, 3.91 ERA, and 49 strikeouts against 20 walks in 48.1 innings pitched for the 51s.