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New York Mets: Zack Wheeler Throws Pain-Free, Role Still Uncertain

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 9, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws in the spring training baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws in the spring training baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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It has been a tough few years for New York Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler. However, he took a step in the right direction on Sunday.

For New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler, the rehab from Tommy John surgery has been a nightmare.

After a good start to his career, Wheeler was sadly a victim of the dreaded Tommy John surgery. Like many other young pitchers in the majors, Wheeler had to go through the long rehab process. Unfortunately for Weeler, that rehab process has taken a lot longer than expected.

Last season, Wheeler was supposed to make his return in the summer. However, issues with his elbow prevented him from doing so. Now, Wheeler will be once again trying to get back on the mound for the Mets in 2017.

On Sunday, Wheeler took a step in the right direction for that. He was able to throw pain-free in a bullpen session. Due to the issues with the elbow, the Mets are playing it extremely careful with Wheeler. This also means that they aren’t sure whether or not he will be used as a starter or a relief pitcher.

"“I see it playing out,” Alderson said to Mike Puma of the New York Post. “That’s really what we have to do, is watch and see what transpires over the next several weeks. The first and foremost thing is he’s got to be healthy.”"

Prior to being injured, Wheeler pitched pretty well as a starter for the Mets. In his first season, he was able to total a 7-5 record in 17 games with a 3.42 ERA. The next season, Wheeler pitched 185 innings, totaling a 11-11 record, and 187 strikeouts.

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Due to the problems with the arm, it might take Wheeler quite some time to get back the strength necessary to be a starter. The door appears to be open for him starting the season as a relief pitcher. That will certainly be one of the storylines of spring training for the Mets.

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