New York Mets Rumors: Jennry Mejia To Be Shut Down?

New York Mets Rumors: Could Another Member Of The Mets’ Pitching Staff Be Heading To The DL?

The New York Mets picked up a victory Opening Day, albeit one that needed some luck, over the Washington Nationals. The Mets scrapped and took advantage of Nationals miscues when they were presented to them. Good feelings that were filling the clubhouse quickly turned to ones of nervousness as we learned another member of their bullpen is dealing with elbow soreness.

This time it was closer Jenrry Mejia. Mejia was set to close the game out in the ninth inning, but experienced some elbow soreness while loosening up. This caused the Mets to change their plans, as Mejia never appeared in the game and was seen in the clubhouse. Instead, it was recently acquired Jerry Blevins was summoned to start the ninth inning.

The end result was still a positive one for the Mets, as Blevins and Buddy Carlyle combined to shut the door on the Nationals in the ninth inning, but the Mets cannot seem to catch a break. This is the second consecutive season that their closer has experienced elbow soreness at some point in the first game of the season.

Last season Bobby Parnell blew the save opening day, and it was later revealed that he would need Tommy John surgery. That was the only appearance he made in the season, and is expected to return to the Mets’ bullpen in a couple of weeks. Mejia didn’t even get into the game, as the soreness was too much during his warm ups to get into the game. It was later revealed that the Mets knew Mejia was dealing with some elbow soreness, and wanted to see if he would be able to go.

They got their answer, and it was not the one they were hoping for. Mejia is expected to be re-evaluated today. Right now it is being called stiffness, but this is not good news for the Mets. Mejia has a history of arm injuries, as he already underwent Tommy John surgery once in 2011, and then had another surgery in 2013 to have bone chips removed from his right elbow.

The Mets surprised some people by carrying eight relievers into the regular season, but this could have been one of the reasons why. Knowing Mejia may have had some problems, the Mets could have wanted to protect against this by having as many arms available as possible to start the season in Washington.

This is yet another blow to a Mets pitching staff that has already seen a number of players be placed on the DL. In addition to the recovering Parnell, Vic Black is battling shoulder tendonitis, while Josh Edgin and Zack Wheeler were both already lost for the season to Tommy John surgery.

Apr 6, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) throws in Opening Day game against Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

The path the Mets took to getting the victory Monday may have worked out, but it is hard to imagine that is what they will stick with going forward. Jeurys Familia should receive the first shot at closing games if Mejia is to miss any time on the DL. Carlyle, who got the first save of his career Monday, could be moved up in a set-up combination with lefty specialist Blevins depending on matchups.

Carlos Torres could also be in the late inning mix, while Rafael Montero will be used in more than mop up and long relief. It is always hard to protect against injuries, but the Mets are as prepared as they can be without making a roster move, as they will still have seven healthy relievers out in the bullpen.

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