Live toss another step for Wheeler

JUPITER — Zack Wheeler had batters staring back at him for the first time since August of last season. The righthander threw “live” batting practice Wednesday on the main field at the Mets’ spring-training complex. Wheeler, who is in his second spring of rehab from 2015 Tommy John surgery, made just one 17-pitch rehab start last season before he was shut down with discomfort.

“It felt good to be back out there and face batters,” Wheeler said. “It’s another step closer.”

Wheeler will throw one more live batting practice before he makes the next step: appearing in a spring game. The Mets are planning on starting him Mar. 8 or 10 during split-squad games.

Wheeler faced a few minor-league batters Wednesday morning, throwing about 20 to 25 pitches. A scout who watched said Wheeler looked “really good” in the short session. Wheeler felt good about what he saw and did.

“The pitches were good. I am still fine tuning on the curveball and that will come,” Wheeler said. “I am happy where I am at right now.”

The Mets had slowed Wheeler down this spring after he felt “tenderness” in his right elbow following his first bullpen session. Wheeler said he has had just “normal soreness” after every bullpen session since.

“Nothing that makes me alarmed or anything like before,” Wheeler said. “I am happy with it, happy with the progress. Hopefully just keep moving forward.”

Wheeler last faced batters in Aug. 2016 when he made a rain-shortened rehab start. After that, he suffered a flexor muscle strain that shut him down for the season. His rehab has been delayed by several setbacks, including surgery to remove a stitch from the initial surgery and nerve irritation in the elbow.

Wheeler last appeared in the majors Sept. 25, 2014. He is 18-16 with a 3.50 in 49 major-league starts from 2013 to 2014.