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The Mets announced today that right-handed starter Zack Wheeler is being placed on the injured list, retroactive to Friday, July 12, with fatigue in his right shoulder. He will be eligible to come off the IL on Tuesday, July 23, leaving him with no more than two starts before the trade deadline.
Wheeler reportedly felt fatigue in the shoulder while throwing yesterday, leading the Mets to place him on the IL for precautionary reasons. No corresponding roster move has been announced yet.
Wheeler has seen mixed results this season, with a 4.69 ERA but just a 3.66 FIP. He was previously considered to be one of the top pitchers available at the trade deadline, but health concerns may reduce his value even if he returns after the minimum.
Lefty Steven Matz is expected to take Wheeler’s place on Tuesday in Minnesota in a return from a brief bullpen stint. An additional starter will be needed before the next turn of the rotation, though.