Mets RHP Zack Wheeler could pitch in game March 8th

Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler threw another painless bullpen session Wednesday morning and could be back in game action March 8 against the Astros.

About a week ago, the Mets righty had tenderness in his elbow once again.

It’s safe to say after a pain-less bullpen session Sunday, the panic over the tenderness has lessened. Now, fans may have a date for the first time they can see Wheeler in game action.

Wheeler threw a bullpen session Wednesday morning, once again with no pain, and this time he included breaking balls. Following the bullpen session, Mets manager Terry Collins made the announcement about Wheeler potentially pitching against Houston on March 8.

Another interesting point was that Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen said last week that it would be difficult for Wheeler to come out of the bullpen at any point this season, given that Wheeler has always been a starter and the length of his Tommy John recovery.

Warthen saying that raises another question. Since Warthen has said Wheeler will have an innings limit in the low-100’s, but coming out of the bullpen will be difficult for him, how do Collins and Warthen go about using Wheeler this season? Shades of Matt Harvey from his recovering 2015 season begin to show.

Nonetheless, it’s very good news to hear that not only did Terry Collins say Wheeler could pitch against Houston, but that he had another painless bullpen session, and his first with breaking balls.

Terry had very high praise for Wheeler, who has not thrown in the majors since 2014, after throwing this morning. WFAN’s Ed Coleman reported that Collins said today was the best he has seen Wheeler throw down in Florida.

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With all of that being said, it’s not good to get too far ahead of where Wheeler is currently at. As we’ve seen in the past, things can easily change for him. Therefore, each new update is great to hear, and hopefully closer to his return to a Major League rubber.