Zack Wheeler Has a Torn UCL, Tommy John Surgery Likely

Credit to Zimbio

    The Zack Wheeler elbow saga has come to an end, and sadly, it was a grim one. Within a span of three and a half days, the word went from simply missing his next start, to getting an MRI and finally, the diagnosis of a torn UCL.
     The news is definitely a giant blow to the Mets and also to Met fans like myself. As much as the news is disheartening, at least Wheeler was up front and honest with the team and telling them he had something wrong with his elbow now, rather than possibly struggle throughout the season and be diagnosed with the torn UCL midseason.
     Personally, no matter how torn the UCL is, opting for Tommy John surgery would be the necessary thing to do because in all honesty, the only pitcher with a damaged UCL I can think of that withheld Tommy John that was able to do so successfully was Adam Wainwright, and even he ended up succumbing to the Tommy John bug. The sooner we get Wheeler back, the better and if getting Tommy John will guarantee us more of Wheeler being a quality pitcher in the long run, then so be it.
     I will plan on writing about this in further depth in the future, but as of now, the Mets certainly have the pitching depth to make up for this that most teams don't have. Perhaps some saw this sad event coming for Wheeler. In all seriousness though, I wish the best for Zack and I have a strong feeling that not only will he be back before we know it, but that he will continue onward with his ascent toward becoming one of the better pitchers in the Major Leagues. Remember, when he returns next season, he'll only be 26 years old and still won't even be arbitration eligible.