After missing the entire 2015 due to injury, Zack Wheeler is determined to make a major impact next season. Wheeler is continuing to make progress from Tommy John surgery, and he is targeting a June or July comeback according to Kristie Ackert of the NY Daily News.
Ackert says that he’s throwing from 120 feet on flat ground, which is his final step before throwing on the mound.
“I am supposed to start getting on the mound when I get back to Florida, right after the New Year,” Wheeler said. “I think it’s a process, starting on the (front) slope and working back.”
“It’s progress, I guess,” Wheeler said, “but I am trying not to get too excited about anything. I am just trying to keep my head down and get the work done. And get back.”
It’s been an extremely tough year for Wheeler, who missed out on the Mets’ playoff run and was almost traded in the infamous Carlos Gomez deal over the summer. However, he says that he loves pitching for the Mets and wants to help them get back to the World Series in 2016.
“I know it’s a business and if something happens, well it is what it is, but this is where I want to be,” Wheeler said. “I like the team; I like playing in New York, and I like the organization.
“I want to play for the Mets.”
Fans and bloggers have also speculated that he could be a traded this winter but thankfully the Mets aren’t looking to trade him unless someone offers them a great deal.
In 185 innings in 2014, he had a 3.54 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. While he needed to improve his command and efficiency, he still flashed tremendous upside in what was his second major league season. His 9.1K/9 ranked towards the top of the league, and his stuff was electric with his explosive mid 90’s fastball.
With his impending return next season, he will make the Mets already elite staff into an even deadlier one.
“I am injured and people have forgotten about me, they have forgotten what I can do, so they say ‘Go on and trade him,’ I get it,” Wheeler said of the rumors, “and I’ll deal with it if it happens. But I am looking forward to being a part of this team, this rotation.”
