SAN FRANCISCO — Zack Wheeler has taken the first steps in what the Mets hope will be a fast return from the injured list.
On Thursday, the right-hander played catch for a second straight day and reported feeling OK as he battles an “impingement” in his right shoulder. The earliest Wheeler can pitch again is Tuesday, but there hasn’t been an indication yet whether he will be ready by then. Wheeler would first have to throw bullpen session.
The calendar remains important to the Mets if they want to deal Wheeler — an impending free agent — before the July 31 trade deadline.