With expected start, Zack Wheeler aligns Mets' long-awaited rotation

WASHINGTON -- The New York Mets have waited years for this rotation.

Zack Wheeler will be recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to start Wednesday against the Miami Marlins, finally aligning the five-man rotation New York has hoped to use for years.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway announced the right-hander's upcoming start Sunday. It will mark the first time Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz, Matt Harvey and Wheeler make a rotation turn together. New York fans have hoped to see that five-man group since Matz debuted in 2015, but the pitchers have never been healthy and effective at the same time.

The 27-year-old Wheeler was sent down to Triple-A at the end of spring training. Other candidates to make the start included Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman, both of whom are performing well out of the bullpen.

Wheeler was solid in his first start for Las Vegas on Friday, allowing one earned run and three hits over five innings.

He is filling Jason Vargas' spot in the rotation. Vargas (broken right hand) threw a simulated game on Saturday.