PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler has already hit a pothole in his attempt to rejoin the Mets, after nearly two years of rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
The righty had “tenderness” in his elbow following a recent throwing session, according to pitching coach Dan Warthen, but has not suffered a setback. A checkup indicated Wheeler likely has scar tissue in the joint.
Wheeler is expected to play catch Thursday to test the elbow and then throw from the bullpen the following day if there is no discomfort.
“We’re not going to push it because we want to see this kid healthy — and once we get healthy, we want him to stay healthy — so we’ll have kid gloves with him,” Warthen said Wednesday.