Mets' Zack Wheeler set for Tommy John surgery next week

Having learned last week that he has a torn ulnar collateral ligament, Zack Wheeler will undergo Tommy John surgery next Tuesday or Wednesday. The surgery will be performed by Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Wheeler will miss the entire 2015 season and expects his recovery time to be about 14 months, which would have him on track to return at some point in June of 2016. Wheeler will join Josh Edgin, Matt Harvey, Jeremy Hefner and Bobby Parnell as Mets pitchers who have had the surgery in the last two years.

The 24-year-old Wheeler went 11-11 with an 3.54 ERA and 3.55 FIP in 185.1 innings last season. Dillon Gee, who was slated for a bullpen assignment this season, is the most likely candidate to fill his spot in the starting rotation. Other candidates include youngsters Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero and Steven Matz.