VIERA, Fla. — Zack Wheeler’s next scheduled start has been nixed, but the Mets were relieved yesterday to determine the rookie phenom’s strained right oblique likely won’t require a major layoff.
The right-hander was scratched from his start against the Cardinals on Wednesday after straining the oblique while taking swings in batting practice.
Manager Terry Collins said Wheeler will be monitored for the next several days and perhaps receive clearance to throw from a mound next week.
“Hopefully in the next three to five days we’ll get a good read of where he is,” Collins said before the Mets’ 10-inning 4-4 exhibition tie with the Nationals last night.
Wheeler participated in motion exercises yesterday, according to Collins, and wasn’t bothered by the oblique when making pitching movements.
* Pedro Feliciano has been cleared to resume baseball activities, but will wear a heart monitor, according to Collins.
The left-handed reliever was shut down last weekend after tests detected a heart abnormality.
There is no timetable for Feliciano to make his Grapefruit League debut.
* David Wright today will play his last exhibition game before departing to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.
Collins indicated he has no concerns about Wright leaving camp for potentially three weeks.
“The fact that he’s probably going to get a lot of nine-innings games in, when he gets back he will be ready,” Collins said.
* Johan Santana remains on course to pitch his first Grapefruit League game on March 10 or 11, according to Collins.
The lefty is expected to throw live batting practice or pitch an inning in a minor league game on Tuesday.
* Collins said it’s too early to declare a frontrunner for the sixth starter’s spot among pitchers. Jenrry Mejia, Jeremy Hefner and Collin McHugh are all candidates should the Mets have a short-term opening in the rotation because of injury. Hefner allowed one hit, walked one and struck out three in 2 1/3 innings last night.