Wheeler exercises caution in recovery

MIAMI — Zack Wheeler threw 30 pitches during a bullpen session Friday at Marlins Park, but the right-hander remains unsure when he will be able to make his first rehab start in his long recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Despite having now thrown multiple sessions, Wheeler — throwing fastballs, curveballs and change-ups — hasn’t faced live batters and doesn’t know when he will be ready to do so, remaining cautious in his return following two setbacks this year.

Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen estimated Wheeler would make a rehab appearance 10 days after facing live hitting.

“I think it’s sort of on me to be honest,” Wheeler said before Friday’s 5-3 victory over the Marlins. “We set out a plan, we try and follow that, but some days you have your ups and downs, so we’re just playing it by ear. … I felt pretty good. I’m happy where I’m at right now, coming off the little setback that I had.”

Wheeler, who underwent surgery in March 2015, originally was believed to be able to return around the All-Star break, but the 26-yearold suffered nerve irritation last month, requiring a cortisone injection.

Back with the Mets for the first time since spring training, Wheeler was excited to be with his teammates, but he has made sure not to let the playoff race or the need for him following Matt Harvey’s season-ending surgery affect his return date.

“I know they’re struggling up here, but I’m trying to help out the team and look out for myself at the same time so I can help out the team more years down the road instead of just this year,” Wheeler said. “If I’m feeling good and I can come back this year that’s awesome. I don’t know. There are so many ups and downs. I’m just going and seeing how my body recovers.”

Jeurys Familia picked up his MLB-best 34th save of the season and converted his 50th straight regular-season save, which ranks as the fourth-longest streak in MLB history.

“It’s unbelievable. He just has great confidence when he goes out there,” manager Terry Collins said.