Latest Update – 5:04 p.m.
More good news on Zack Wheeler’s comeback trail. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that Wheeler will start a rehab assignment this Saturday. It remains to be seen how long Wheeler will need to shake off the rust, but he still appears on target for a late August return.
Update – August 1
Zack Wheeler threw his first session to live hitters without incident, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.
Wheeler sat in the 90-93 mile per hour range with his fastball and reported no discomfort.
The session is a significant step forward for the right hander as he looks to return to the Mets by the end of August.
Update – July 31
Right-hander Zack Wheeler is scheduled to face live batters on Monday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2015, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN.
Last week, Wheeler said he believes that he could rejoin the team sometime around mid to late August after throwing a bullpen session.
“I’ve already had two setbacks, so hopefully nothing else arises,” Wheeler said. “Hopefully we just go smooth sailing from here.”
The former top Mets prospect last pitched in the major leagues on September 22, 2014, and posted a 3.54 ERA and 1.32 WHIP while striking out 187 batters in 185.1 innings over 32 starts that season.
Original Report – July 24
Zack Wheeler rejoined the Mets in Miami and threw a bullpen session in front of pitching coach Dan Warthen on Friday, Kristie Ackert of the Daily News reports.
During the session, Wheeler threw 30 pitches without incident.
“I’m happy where I’m at right now,” Wheeler told reporters in Miami.
The next step for the 26-year old right-hander is to face live batters before throwing simulated innings and eventually heading out on a minor league rehab assignment.
As of now, Wheeler’s return timetable remains the same. The Mets still believe that he can be ready to take the mound at Citi Field by mid to late August.
