Zack Wheeler file

Age: 21

Height: 6-3

Weight: 180

Hometown: Dallas, Ga.

Drafted: First round (sixth overall) by San Francisco in 2009

Highest Level: A+

Career numbers (minor leagues)

W-L ERA IP H K BB

10-8 3.99 1462/3 121 168 85

Progress report

Wheeler didn't allow a home run in 582/3 innings as a 20-year-old in Class A last season. He struck out 10.7 batters per nine innings in his first year in the minors. Although his home run totals have increased after the jump to high-A this season (seven in 88 innings), he's still got massive strikeout numbers, is allowing far fewer hits than innings pitched and posting strong ground ball rates. His Achilles heel seems to be a propensity to walk batters (5.2 per nine in his pro career). Wheeler was rated the No. 35 prospect in the game by Baseball America in its midseason prospect rankings released July 7.

A scout's take

"Lanky build. Good delivery. Loose arm. High-velocity fastball up to 97. Legitimate swing-and-miss curve. OK touch on changeup. Strong pitchability quotient."

COMPILED BY CODY DERESPINA AND KEN DAVIDOFF