Zack Wheeler sent for MRI

Just kidding.

The Mets will in fact send Zack Wheeler in for an MRI on his right elbow, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York Saturday afternoon.

Wheeler had already been scratched on Friday from his scheduled Saturday start due to elbow tendinitis and a recurring blister under his fingernail. General manager Sandy Alderson said Friday it would be “unnecessary” for the star pitcher to have an MRI as Wheeler had two done during the winter lull that were found to be clean.

From Rubin:

"“We’ll see how the results are,” Collins said after Saturday’s 13-4 win against the Nationals. “He had two this winter. They were clean as heck, so we don’t expect any damage. A little rest won’t hurt.”Why the change of plans regarding having the MRI performed?“It’s always a precaution,” Collins said. “You can go in there right now and if someone’s back is sore they’re going to get one tomorrow.”"

According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, Wheeler has plans to rest for a few days before throwing a bullpen session and make his next scheduled start, which falls on Thursday.

Wheeler has dealt with the blister issue throughout his career, and manager Terry Collins said he recalled only one time last season when Wheeler mentioned an elbow issue.

Wheeler managed the issue last season, not even missing any scheduled bullpen sessions – let alone a start.

Thoughts:

Well this sounds terribly familiar, doesn’t it? In all likelihood, though, it probably is just a precaution to put minds at ease. Any hint of an injury should be taken seriously and all proper procedures should take place. Better to be safe than sorry, as mothers always say.

But it is concerning as elbow injuries mount and Yu Darvish joins the ever-growing list of Tommy John surgeries that includes Matt Harvey. Here’s hoping another MRI comes back clear for Wheeler.