Zack Wheeler likely to return to Mets after All-Star break
Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler delivers against the Washington Nationals during an MLB baseball game at Citi Field on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
MIAMI — Zack Wheeler could rejoin the Mets right after the All-Star break, bringing an end to his arduous rehab from Tommy John surgery.
The righthander will throw a 30-pitch bullpen session at Marlins Park Saturday as he builds up arm strength ahead of a minor-league rehab stint.
According to manager Terry Collins, a rehab assignment may still be “a ways off.”
Instead of targeting an early July return, the Mets appear prepared to hold off Wheeler’s comeback until after the All-Star break in mid-July, which would avoid having him come back only to subject him to a long layoff.
But for Wheeler, the end of the process appears close.
“It’s sneaking up on me,” Wheeler said. “It’s getting here quick and fast. Like I said, every time I’m throwing a bullpen I’m getting my pitch count up.”
