Options being weighed for Zack return
SAN FRANCISCO — Zack Wheeler’s return from the injured list appears close, but team officials are still weighing whether he should immediately rejoin the rotation or would benefit from throwing live batting practice.
The right-hander threw a bullpen session Sunday before the Mets lost 3-2 to the Giants in 12 innings at Oracle Park and reported the session went “good.” Wheeler, who is returning from a shoulder impingement, would be eligible for removal from the IL on Tuesday.
Manager Mickey Callaway has not announced a rotation for this week, but said he tentatively plans to start Jason Vargas, Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom in succession against the Padres beginning Tuesday at Citi Field.
If Wheeler awakens Monday without discomfort, team officials will decide whether he needs to face batters in a simulated game or should be slotted into the rotation immediately.
With the calendar a factor heading to the July 31 trade deadline, the Mets are anxious to pitch Wheeler, who can become a free agent after this season. A club source recently indicated the Mets still believe there is a strong market for Wheeler and he can bring the team a solid return if he’s dealt.
Wheeler, who is 6-6 with a 4.69 ERA this season, last pitched on July 7 and afterward says he told team officials about discomfort in his shoulder.
Pete Alonso broke his bat over his knee in disgust after striking out in the third inning against Conner Menez, but said his frustration was over that particular at-bat, not anything bigger.
“I was just upset because I shouldn’t have swung at that pitch — it was a ball,” Alonso said. “I know I am better than that. I hold myself to a high standard and I was just frustrated.”
Michael Conforto’s “splash hit” that landed in McCovey Cove was the 47th such home run by an opponent in the history of Oracle Park. Curtis Granderson had been the last Mets player to homer into McCovey Cove, on Aug. 19, 2016 against Johnny Cueto.
The Mets’ 44 home runs on the road since June 1 lead the major leagues.