Remember the Mane: Ryan Wheeler’s gorgeous hair is no more

After a highly-anticipated debut, it looks like Ryan Wheeler’s luscious locks are headed for a significant stint on the disabled list.

Wheeler was called up to the D-backs on July 20 and his hair was just as impressive as the huge numbers he put up at Triple-A Reno.

During his first week in the Majors, fans were quick to notice his finely-combed quaff and took to Twitter to show their love for the rookie third baseman’s hair, which has become so popular that a parody account has already been created in its honor, @WheelersMane.

But not even Wheeler’s beautiful mane is immune to rookie hazing.

Before Friday’s game against the Mets, D-backs closer J.J. Putz took a pair of hair clippers to Wheeler’s head and left no trace of the illustrious dome. It didn’t take long for news of this follicle fatality to spread through the social media airwaves.

On Twitter, @WheelersMane broke the bad news.

Thanks to #Rookiehazing I'm headed to the DL for a somewhat brief stint. #Bullpenbutcher by JJ. Don't worry I'll be back! #returnofthemane

— Ryan Wheeler's Mane (@WheelersMane) July 27, 2012

In order to calm the nerves of his fans, Wheeler then took to Twitter.

thanks to my fans for the support. Expected rehab time is 4 months. But make no mistake @WheelersMane will b longer and curlier than ever.

— Ryan Wheeler (@RyanWheeler45) July 27, 2012

We’ll be sure to let you know how rehab goes.

--Gabe Trujillo