Wheeler’s injury puts Gee back in Mets’ starting rotation

FILE - In this March 7, 2015, file photo, New York Mets pitcher Dillon Gee throws during the fourth inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Jupiter, Fla. Gee is rejoining the Mets' starting rotation after Zack Wheeler’s elbow injury, which likely will require season-ending surgery. New York's opening-day starter last year, Gee was slated for a bullpen role. Mets manager Terry Collins said Tuesday, March 17, 2015, that Gee will take Wheeler's spot in the rotation and pitching coach Dan Warthen told Gee to start getting his arm stretched out as a starter. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) FILE - In this March 7, 2015, file photo, New York Mets pitcher Dillon Gee throws during the fourth inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Jupiter, Fla. Gee is rejoining the Mets' starting rotation after Zack Wheeler’s elbow injury, which likely will require season-ending surgery. New York's opening-day starter last year, Gee was slated for a bullpen role. Mets manager Terry Collins said Tuesday, March 17, 2015, that Gee will take Wheeler's spot in the rotation and pitching coach Dan Warthen told Gee to start getting his arm stretched out as a starter. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

By Associated Press March 17, 2015 2 min read

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) – This wasn’t how Dillon Gee wanted to regain a spot in the New York Mets’ rotation.

New York’s opening-day starter last year, Gee was slated for a bullpen role before Zack Wheeler was diagnosed with a torn elbow ligament that likely will sideline him until 2016.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Gee will take Wheeler’s spot in the rotation and pitching coach Dan Warthen told Gee to start getting his arm stretched out as a starter.

“It’s tough to feel good about being in the rotation under these circumstances,” Gee said Tuesday. “I’m a starter again. That’s great. But it’s tough to happy about that under these circumstances.”

A 28-year-old right-hander, Gee was 7-8 with a 4.00 ERA in 22 starts last year, when he missed almost two months because of strained back muscle. The Mets considered trade options during the offseason but opted to keep him and planned to use a rotation of Matt Harvey, Wheeler, Jacob deGrom, Bartolo Colon and Jon Niese.