Zack Wheeler is finally getting ready to take the next step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery reports Kristie Ackert of the Daily News. The Mets right-hander is expected to throw off the mound this weekend, most likely Saturday.
“That is how it is scheduled,” pitching coach Dan Warthen said Monday morning. “As long as everything keeps going as well as it has been that’s what we expect.”
Wheeler, 25, is expected to rejoin the rotation sometime in July. The Mets might use a six-man rotation for a couple of turns when that happens, according to what manager Terry Collins said last week. After that, Bartolo Colon is expected to shift to the bullpen while Wheeler remains in the rotation.
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Jacob deGrom was pulled from throwing his bullpen session on Monday, but did participate in other drills with the rest of the team. The Mets right-hander reportedly has tightness in his left groin and was held out as precaution.
The plan for now is to have him long-toss tomorrow before throwing a regular bullpen on Wednesday. DeGrom said he slipped while running over the weekend and the team describes the issue as minor, requiring just an ice pack treatment. Mets just playing it safe.
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Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera arrived to Mets camp on Monday, leaving just Alejandro De Aza as the only active roster player who has yet to report. Mandatory reporting date is on Wednesday. Cabrera roamed around the field and clubhouse introducing himself to all his new teammates.
Cabrera, 30, is genuinely excited to be joining the Mets and is particularly looking forward to playing behind the young Mets rotation who he can’t wait to see. He also looks forward to playing with his new double play partner at second base – Neil Walker.
