DETROIT -- For the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2015, Zack Wheeler pitched in a game on Saturday.
Wheeler began a rehab assignment with Class A St. Lucie. He tossed 17 pitches in one inning, issued one walk and was charged with an unearned run. He had been scheduled to pitch a second inning, but departed earlier than planned due to a rain delay.
Wheeler's fastball ranged from 90-96 mph.
Wheeler walked Bradenton leadoff batter Tito Polo. With one out, an errant throw by catcher Tomas Nido on a pickoff attempt advanced Polo to third base. Polo then scored on a groundout.
Wheeler's rehab assignment will last no more than 30 days. So he should return to the majors no later than the first week in September, barring another setback.
The Mets initially planned to Wheeler to return about July 1, but he experienced a pair of setbacks during his rehab. In April, doctors had to perform a second surgery to remove an undissolved stitch from the original procedure. Then, as he was nearing a rehab assignment in June, Wheeler was diagnosed with nerve irritation and required a cortisone injection.
