What It Means:

Wheeler has experienced several setbacks while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and is not currently throwing. With Matt Harvey having shoulder surgery that will keep him sidelined the rest of the year, the Mets need someone to replace him, but Wheeler isn't close to being ready for that gig. For the time being, the Mets will use long reliever Logan Verrett, although Triple-A starters Sean Gilmartin and Gabriel Ynoa could become options.

Wheeler last pitched in the majors in 2014, showing lots of promise by posting a 3.49 xFIP and a 23.60 strikeout percentage across 185 1/3 innings. Our models currently project Wheeler to face just 96 more batters across 22 innings over the remainder of the year, recording a 5.34 ERA with a 14.60 percent strikeout rate.