Mets injury update: Zack Wheeler will not pitch in 2016

The saga that has been Zack Wheeler’s recovery from a Tommy John procedure performed in March of last year will continue until at least the beginning of spring training in 2017.

ESPN’s Adam Rubin reports that Wheeler, who at the beginning of the season was projected make his first major league start since 2014 no later than July, has been shut down for the remainder 2016.

Three unrelated setbacks have forced the elbow recovery to drag on far longer than anyone involved had hoped it would.

Most recently, Wheeler paid a visit to renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews to address a mild flexor strain. The strain was initially tabbed as a two-week setback before it was decided to keep the 26-year-old out until next season.

Injuries have been the theme of the Mets’ 2016 season. As it stands, the team’s injury report goes 10 deep, including three starting infielders and four starting pitchers.

Despite this, the Mets somehow continue to hang in firm contention for a postseason berth via one of two Wild Card slots. Before dropping their previous two games, the club rattled off nine wins out of 11 and currently sit just two games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second Wild Card slot.