Zack Wheeler Throws For First Time Since Undergoing Tommy John Surgery
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets' have established a so-called "big four" in their starting rotation this season.
It's made up of co-aces Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey and rookies Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz.
The forgotten man? Zack Wheeler, the former first-round pick and top prospect who the Mets acquired from the Giants for Carlos Beltran in 2011.
The 25-year-old has missed all of 2015 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March, but he took a major step in his recovery process on Monday.
At the Mets' minor league complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Wheeler lightly tossed from 60-70 feet. It was the first time he's thrown a baseball since undergoing surgery.
Video of him throwing was taken by Just Mets' Michael Baron.
https://videopress.com/v/f2zjFdEN
Wheeler debuted for the Mets in 2013 and had a very solid 2014 campaign. In 32 starts, the right-hander went 11-11 with a 3.54 ERA, striking out 187 and walking 79 in 185 1/3 innings pitched.
According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Mets and Reds recently discussed a trade that would have sent Wheeler to the Reds for right fielder Jay Bruce, but talks never gained much traction.
Barring any setbacks, Wheeler is expected to return to the big leagues next June or July.
