Mets’ Wheeler placed on disabled list with biceps tendinitis

Zack Wheeler has been struggling through his last two starts, surrendering 15 runs and five homers. Wednesday, he was placed on the disabled list

In a move that surprised next to nobody, Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that the Mets have placed Zack Wheeler on the 10-day disabled list with biceps tendinitis. The move incidentally falls in line with Tyler Pill being recalled to start Wednesday’s game in Los Angeles.

Wheeler had a second straight rough start against the Dodgers on Monday. He pitched two innings and gave up seven runs (all earned) on eight hits. That followed a start against Chicago where Wheeler recorded only five outs while surrendering eight runs. In that short span, Wheeler’s ERA ballooned from 3.45 to 5.29.

The last week has put a damper on the progress Wheeler made in six prior starts. He had five quality starts in that stretch and that run finished with maybe his best start of the season against Texas where he pitched seven innings of one-run ball.

On Monday, Wheeler’s stuff didn’t look right. His off-speed was flat and his fastball didn’t show the same life. It was a sharp turn in the opposite direction from what we’ve seen throughout the majority of this season from Wheeler. The only hope now is this is a precautionary move and the DL stint is just another way of skipping his next scheduled start. We should know more in the coming days.

The Mets have run low on options to fill out the pitching staff and have about run out of hope to make something positive out of the season. In late June, the Mets are back to their low mark for the year at eight games under .500. Plus, there are still two games left against the hard-hitting Dodgers who have racked up nine home runs during the front half of the series.

In another move ahead of Wednesday’s contest, Erik Goeddel was recalled to give the Mets an extra arm after the bullpen was heavily taxed the last two days. Matt Reynolds was optioned to Las Vegas in the corresponding move.

Next: Mets are doing their pitchers a disservice

The minimum goal for Pill is to get at least five effective innings to give a little relief to the pen. Since going back to Las Vegas, Pill made one start and picked up right where he left off. He gave the 51s seven innings and allowed two runs in a win over Sacramento.