Zack Wheeler has Elbow Tear

The Mets said Monday morning that Zack Wheeler has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. Although Wheeler has not committed to Tommy John surgery, it is the probable remedy. Simply unbelievable.

The Mets say Zack Wheeler will make the sad trek to New York Monday to be examined again, at which time the inevitable decision will likely be made.

While this is terrible news, it should not railroad all of the possibilities for the 2015 season. Dillon Gee will likely step back into the rotation in the short term. In the long term, a spot could be open for Noah Syndergaard or Steven Matz. Syndergaard should probably make the team if he has a great spring. But we all know that will not happen for a variety of reasons.

This could actually have a bigger effect on the bullpen. With Josh Edgin about to go under the knife, the Mets now have to fill two spots. It would not be surprising if Rafael Montero earns a spot there.

All of these injuries remind me of Generation K — they were hardly, if ever, in the rotation together because they were each injured at various times. Will it be the same with this generation of young starters?