Wagner eyeing Early Return to the Mound

Just when it seemed like Billy Wagner would be out until the summer, New York Mets fans were treated to the sight of the 37-year old throwing pitches in a short bullpen session. Wagner was also part of some fielding practice and signs of a quicker than expected return, are beginning to come from the Mets pitcher.

Wagner went on flat ground to throw 10 pitches, his first time since his Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in September, 2008. He then went on to throw 23 pitches in the bullpen before finishing with some fielding practice.

Minor league catcher Juan Centeno was at the receiving end of the pitches and came out saying that the session was “OK”. Media were not allowed to view the bullpen session and the pitcher himself stayed away from cameras post-pitching.

"I haven't seen him since the end of last season, so it's good to see him, and he is in tremendous shape," said Guy Conti, Wagner's bullpen coach last season and this year’s rehab coordinator. "My job is to observe and see how he looks and see how he feels, and basically, he looks good. He's really in good shape."

Although Wagner wasn’t included as part of the Spring Training plans, he was prescribed a regimen by minor league pitching rehabilitation trainer, Chris Correnti. However, he was asked to back down from the training program as the Mets feared that he was trying to do more than he was supposed to, in a bid to get back sooner.

The Mets were on the lookout for a worthy bullpen replacement in the offseason.
Conti even spoke to the media about Wagner’s condition but refrained from making any comments on his throwing arm. He mentioned that his legs and body were looking good however the arm strength was left out of the media update. Conti also mentioned that they would be looking at Wagner’s reaction to the bullpen session as part of the next immediate step towards complete rehabilitation.

"I think he was excited to be out there," Conti said. "He is happy to put the uniform on again, but he is a real tough competitor guy, and we want to see where he is at."