Zack Wheeler heads to the 10-day DL with biceps tendinitis

Zack Wheeler (SNY.tv)

At this point, an injury to the Mets in any capacity no longer fazes fans. They are just used to it. The team announced that Zack Wheeler would be heading to the 10-day DL with right biceps tendinitis. The hope is that Wheeler should only miss one start. To make room on the roster, the Mets recalled pitchers Tyler Pill and Erik Goeddel, while also optioning infielder Matt Reynolds to Las Vegas.

The move comes after Wheeler felt discomfort before his latest start on Monday against the Dodgers. It would have been wise for the team to give him more rest, as he allowed seven runs in two innings pitched. Wheeler is 3-5 with a 5.29 ERA this season, but over his last two starts he owns a 36.82 ERA.

Zack Wheeler joins five other starters for the Mets to have a stint on the DL this year. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, the Mets always planned on being cautious with Wheeler. While an injury like this is not ideal, the team is not in panic mode just yet.

Speaking to the media, Wheeler seemed very relaxed with his situation. He stated:

“It happens, man. We’re all hard throwers and you’re not meant to pitch. We’re not meant to throw how we do. Whether you work out a ton and try to prevent that or not work out any and try to prevent it, nobody knows how to prevent injuries. … Sometimes, you just can’t help guys getting hurt.”

Fans try to portray a pitcher as immortal idols. Unless you are Clayton Kershaw, things like this happen. This is a small step back for Zach Wheeler, but at this point, it could be worse. The only thing we can do now is hope that Wheeler only misses that one start.

The positive to come out of this is the innings limit Wheeler is under. By missing a start and by utilizing the six-man rotation, Wheeler could be under his limit by the time the season ends. Sometimes, even the smallest of news is reassuring in a situation like this, especially with this team.