Wheels up for the Mets bullpen – for now.
Zack Wheeler gave his blessing Wednesday to working out of the Mets bullpen as he fights his way back from missing two seasons following Tommy John surgery.
Earlier in the week, general manager Sandy Alderson said the bullpen may be where Wheeler fits right now.
“I’ve started my whole life and I’d like to do that, but I know they are looking out for me innings-wise and stuff like that,’’ said Wheeler, 26, at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field as the Mets held a coat drive. “I’ve been out for two years, so it’s hard to just throw me back in there, I get that.
“I’m looking out for myself, and whatever is best for my health is what’s fine with me.’’
Wheeler plans to ramp up his baseball activity after Christmas and start a throwing program.
“I’m feeling good, no aches or pains,’’ he said. “I think this time off has helped me. I threw a little two weeks ago. I’m happy about it.’’
Wheeler told The Post he hopes to be back at starter at some point.
“I definitely want to be starting,’’ said Wheeler, who has been in 49 games over his Mets career, all as a starter. “It might be the best thing for me to be in the bullpen right now. I don’t know. Who knows? It’s all just a guessing game, nobody is an expert on that. I’m just trying to stay healthy, that’s the biggest thing for me.
“Eventually I want to be back starting because that’s what I am, a starter.’’