Zack Wheeler and Scott Atchison join Mets, Justin Turner to DL

In many ways the next chapter of Mets history starts today, with emerging ace Matt Harvey and phenom Zack Wheeler scheduled to start each game of today's doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves. But first, the team had to officially add Wheeler to the roster, which it has done according to Mark Carig. Along with Wheeler, the Mets activated that reliever who looks just like your favorite uncle, Scott Atchison, and placed utility man/pie chef Justin Turner on the disabled list. It's not yet clear who else will be taken off the active roster.

Fittingly, the 23-year-old Wheeler will follow Harvey by pitching tonight's nightcap, as he attempts to follow him in the larger sense as well. Headed into this season, Wheeler was rated the seventh best prospect in baseball by MLB.com, and features four plus-pitches to go along with a lanky 6-foot-4-inch frame.

For fans of a team that has won only three of its last 14 games, today will be a much-needed moment of optimism, and maybe the start of better days.

If you're wondering about the extra player on the Mets' roster — Wheeler and Atchison were added with only Turner departing — beginning in 2012, teams were allowed to carry 26 players on the active roster for day-night doubleheaders.