Zack Wheeler returned from Tommy John Surgery last season for the first time and had some mixed results.

However, he ended up finishing with a 3-7 record with a 5.21 ERA, 5.03 FIP, 1.587 WHIP and an 8.4 K/9 in 17 starts in 2017.

The right-hander is coming in with as many question marks as anyone on this team, including his role on the team. If the Mets sign a pitcher such as Jason Vargas, the team is likely going to either have to send Wheeler to the bullpen or the minor leagues to start the season.

There are too many off-days early in the season that makes having a six-man rotation at the onset prohibitive.

Wheeler wants to make himself a reliable starter for the Mets and Kevin Kernan of the New York Post details Wheeler’s preparation for the 2018 season.

The 27-year old had this to say about how his offseason began and a prescribed drug he took:

“It needed two full months of rest. I got that, and then I’ve been taking these shots every day for the past six months. The medicine is called Forteo and it is supposed to strengthen your bones, so hopefully, that helps.’’

“You do a shot in your stomach every day for six months. It’s not fun, but you got to do it. They give it to people with brittle bones, osteoporosis. My arm feels great. I’ve been on the mound six times now so if this helps me get to 30 starts, I’m all for it.’’

This is noteworthy as it was not well known that he was taking these injections to make his bones stronger. It is good to hear, though, that he is coming into camp feeling great for the first time since 2014. Ever since that year he was either hurt or had all eyes on him at camp returning from an injury (Tommy John Surgery).

Wheeler also said this regarding part of his reasoning for getting the procedure done:

“I’m just kind of tired of getting labeled as unreliable, as ‘He’s always hurt.’ I missed two seasons but that was because of one injury. I can’t help that. I worked my butt off in rehab, was doing great and then this bone issue.’’

Well, its good to see Wheeler trying to shed his stigma on his own, instead of just hoping that he doesn’t struggle with health again. Wheeler still has a ton of potential and if he is truly healthy in 2018, he might get his chance to show it.