FILE - In this July 17, 2017, file photo, New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler looks toward the giant video screen in centerfield after allowing a two-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals' Paul DeJong in the allowing a sixth inning of a baseball game in New York. Wheeler went to salary arbitration with the Mets after struggling in his return from Tommy John surgery. Wheeler asked for a raise from $800,000 to $1.9 million, and the Mets argued he should be paid $1.5 million. A decision by arbitrators John Skonier, Andrew Strongin and Phillip LaPorte is expected Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018.
FILE - In this July 17, 2017, file photo, New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler looks toward the giant video screen in centerfield after allowing a two-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals' Paul DeJong in the allowing a sixth inning of a baseball game in New York. Wheeler went to salary arbitration with the Mets after struggling in his return from Tommy John surgery. Wheeler asked for a raise from $800,000 to $1.9 million, and the Mets argued he should be paid $1.5 million. A decision by arbitrators John Skonier, Andrew Strongin and Phillip LaPorte is expected Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018. Kathy Willens, File AP Photo
FILE - In this July 17, 2017, file photo, New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler looks toward the giant video screen in centerfield after allowing a two-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals' Paul DeJong in the allowing a sixth inning of a baseball game in New York. Wheeler went to salary arbitration with the Mets after struggling in his return from Tommy John surgery. Wheeler asked for a raise from $800,000 to $1.9 million, and the Mets argued he should be paid $1.5 million. A decision by arbitrators John Skonier, Andrew Strongin and Phillip LaPorte is expected Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018. Kathy Willens, File AP Photo

Sports

Wheeler beats Mets in arbitration, Grimm loses to Cubs

The Associated Press

February 08, 2018 02:53 PM

PHOENIX

Right-hander Zack Wheeler beat the New York Mets in salary arbitration and reliever Justin Grimm lost to the Chicago Cubs, leaving players with a 7-4 record about halfway through this year's hearings.

Wheeler gets a raise from $800,000 to $1.9 million instead of New York's $1.5 million offer. Arbitrators John Skonier, Andrew Strongin and Phillip LaPorte made the decision Thursday, a day after hearing arguments.

Grimm was given a hike from $1,825,000 to $2.2 million by Mark Burstein, Gary Kendellen and James Darby. He had asked for $2,475,000.

A 27-year-old right-hander, Wheeler had Tommy John surgery on March 25, 2016, made one minor league appearance that August and returned to the Mets last spring. He went 3-7 with a 5.21 ERA in 17 starts.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for unlimited digital access to our website, apps, the digital newspaper and more.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Wheeler was sidelined by biceps tendinitis in June, went 0-2 in four starts when he returned while allowing 24 hits and 11 walks in 20 innings, then went on the DL for the rest of the season with what the team said was a stress reaction in his right arm.

Grimm, a 29-year-old right-hander, was 1-2 with a 5.53 ERA in 50 relief appearances, striking out 59 and walking 27 in 55 1/3 innings.

Twelve players remain scheduled for hearings through Feb. 16.

  Comments