PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler followed Matt Harvey yesterday in a short bullpen session, perhaps a sign of things to come for the Mets’ Future Aces.
Manager Terry Collins set it up so Wheeler lockers next to Harvey to soak up advice on the path to the majors. Wheeler is almost certain to start the season in Triple-A, just as Harvey did last season. Harvey made his first start for the Mets on July 26. Wheeler could get to Citi Field earlier if he dominates in the minors.
When the Mets needed a starter last April 23, they called up Jeremy Hefner in lieu of Harvey, who was mediocre for a time at Buffalo. Collins wants to make sure all of his pitchers understand the quickest route to a callup is posting dominating numbers at Las Vegas (the new home of the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate).
“Matt can help Zack in so many ways,’’ Collins said. “I want him to learn from Matt and the quickest way for any of our young pitchers to get called up is put up dominating numbers in the minor leagues. If Matt had put up those numbers earlier, he probably would have gotten called up, but the reports on him were rather mediocre. I talked to Wally [Backman, Triple-A manager], and he said Matt wasn’t using his curveball the way he should have used it.’’
Once Harvey arrived, he showed he could be dominating. Facing major league hitters brought out the best in the big right-hander, who told The Post he is shooting for 20 wins this season. Harvey learned a valuable lesson to attack and just worry about the hitter in the box.
“I will never settle for mediocrity,’’ Harvey said.
Said Wheeler, who was free and easy in his 25-pitch bullpen session, “I’m going to learn as much as I can from Matt. I’m here to soak in all the information I can and just do my best.’’
* The Mets announced the signing of veteran reliever Brandon Lyon to a one-year contract. Lyon, 33, posted a 3.10 ERA last season for the Astros and Blue Jays, striking out 63 batters in 61 innings. He goes into camp as the setup man along with Bobby Parnell. But if Frank Francisco falters, Lyon, who has posted 79 saves in his career, could move into the closer’s role.