Mets targeting post-All-Star return for Zack Wheeler

The Mets are planning to reactivate Zack Wheeler after the All-Star break. The move apparently comes as the Mets don't want Wheeler to face a long layoff immediately following his return to the majors. The club was originally targeting a July 1 return for the rehabbing starter, and it now appears he won't be back until mid-month.

Wheeler, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2015, has been on the shelf ever since. He suffered a complication to his surgery when a suture didn't dissolve, and had to undergo a minor surgical procedure to remove it in April of this year. At the time the Mets were still confident he'd be able to make his original timetable for return.

Wheeler is supposed to meet the Mets in Miami this weekend and throw in front of Mets coaches. It will be his first time joining the team since his surgery.

Wheeler was nearly traded last season as part of a package for Carlos Gomez before that deal fell apart and the Mets pulled the trigger on the Yoenis Cespedes deal instead.