Surgery Looming for Mets Prospect

The New York Mets have discovered that top pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia has an elbow injury likely requiring Tommy John Surgery.  The 21 year old has a complete tear of his MCL in his right elbow.

While it appears a procedure is necessary, Mejia will receive a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews to see if rehabbing the injury to avoid surgery is a possibility.

Many believe Mejia is better suited having this issue addressed now while he is still young and has a higher propensity to heal.

Entering the year as the Mets top prospect, Mejia was also recognized as the 44th best player in the minors by Baseball America.

The Dominican native spent 2010 with the Mets as a reliever and starter, but began this season with the team’s AAA affiliate.  Mejia started 5 games, exiting the last after only 4 innings due to a high pitch count.  The team did not realize anything was wrong until Mejia reported swelling in his forearm.

Though players do miss on average a full year of action, Tommy John Surgery is not necessarily as devastating as once thought.  Active pitchers Josh Johnson, Chris Carpenter, Tim Hudson and C.J. Wilson have all had the surgery and were able to return to baseball and enjoy post-Tommy John succes.