Struggling to adjust to pitching in the dry, thin air and high altitude of the Pacific Coast League, New York Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler hasn't performed well with Triple-A Las Vegas.

Wheeler has a 5.79 ERA despite the fact that many thought he'd be pressuring New York's front office for a promotion at this point.

"I didn't think it was going to be a big deal but it's always in the back of your mind," Wheeler says. "You're going to get hit from time to time, but sometimes you make a pitch and you say, 'Man, that was a good pitch but it was still off the wall.'

"It makes you second-guess yourself when it really shouldn't. It's human nature but you've gotta keep your head on straight and go out and battle."

For Wheeler, 15 walks in 23 innings have been more troublesome than the hits.

The Georgia native admits that he's used to a lot of moisture in the air, which means gripping the ball differently.

"It's hard being from the East Coast, and being used to the humidity, the moisture," says Wheeler. "Every time after I throw a pitch, I've gotta lick my fingers. Sometimes, before I even throw the next pitch, I've gotta step off and lick them again because my fingers are already dry again.

"And the balls are slick as crap. It takes some adjusting."