Mets' Trade Piece Zack Wheeler Expected to Return From IL Before Deadline

Not much is clear within the New York Mets' organization, but if we do know one thing, it's that the team is open to parting ways with veteran hurler Zack Wheeler.

But in very Met-like fashion, the 29-year-old promptly hit the IL just as the second half of the season got underway, jeopardizing the team's chance of finding a buyer for him at the deadline.

Well, in some rare good news for Mets fans, it looks like Wheeler should be able to return before the deadline.

All signs point to Zack Wheeler returning from the injured list before the Trade Deadline:https://t.co/6os96CYeP8
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 20, 2019

It's no secret that Wheeler is a major trade candidate, as various teams have expressed interest in the right-hander. Hitting the IL was a worst-case scenario for the starter, but fortunately he'll get a chance to audition for interested clubs before July 31.

Zack Wheeler (right shoulder impingement) threw 13 pitches off the slope of a mound today. He still needs to throw a full bullpen session, presumably in two days' time, before the Mets would consider activating him.

Could happen, though, as soon as mid-next week.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 20, 2019

On the year, Wheeler has been sub-par, logging a 4.69 ERA across 19 starts, striking out 130 batters in 119 innings of work. While those numbers don't jump off the page, his second half of last season was truly remarkable. In 11 second-half starts in 2018, Wheeler had a 1.68 ERA with 73 strikeouts across 75 innings, picking up a 9-1 record.

While interested teams shouldn't expect that level of production, it was a small glimpse into Wheeler's massive upside.