General manager Sandy Alderson said Tuesday that Wheeler (elbow) is "on target" for July 1 return date, ESPN's Adam Rubin reports.
The Mets have been patient with Wheeler during his rehab to get back on the mound following his Tommy John surgery last spring, and while there's been a loose expectation that he could be back as soon as the All-Star break, Alderson's comments Tuesday indicate that Wheeler could be back even sooner. However, Rubin notes that the July 1 target date would only be realistic if Wheeler is able to continue to rehab without any setbacks--which is no guarantee. Still, Alderson's comments Tuesday suggest that the organization is confident in Wheeler's progress.