What It Means:

Wheeler is expected to throw again soon and the hope is that he's only dealing with scar tissue. Warthen did caution that the Mets will treat Wheeler "with kid gloves" after he missed back-to-back seasons. If he's healthy and able in 2017, the 26-year-old right-hander will likely be on an innings limit in the low 100s. A role in the bullpen may also be an option. If Wheeler doesn't take up the fifth spot in the rotation, then Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo could earn the gig.

Prior to missing the entire 2015 season, Wheeler showed lots of promise when he last pitched in 2014, posting a 3.49 xFIP and a 23.5 strikeout percentage (league average was 20.4) across 185 1/3 innings.