Updated, 3:07 PM: On Monday, Jenrry Mejia was unable to pitch in the ninth inning due to elbow soreness, and was seen leaving the dugout for the clubhouse with head trainer Ray Ramirez.
However, the Mets can now breathe a big sigh of relief, although Mejia will miss some time.
Mejia was in New York on Tuesday for an MRI and was seen by Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He was diagnosed with only posterior elbow inflammation, the team announced.
Mejia received a cortisone injection in his right elbow and will not be available to pitch for at least ten days. He will be placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 5 – he can return April 20.
The Mets will recall RHP Erik Goeddel from Triple-A Las Vegas. He will be available for Wednesday game against the Nationals.
In addition, Mejia has swelling in his right triceps, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Manager Terry Collins told reporters on Monday he was unaware of Mejia’s elbow soreness until he was warming up and he went to team trainer Ray Ramirez. Terry said that he would have used his bullpen differently if he knew about the issue prior to the 9th, as he wound up using Jerry Blevins and Buddy Carlyle to close out the game.
While Mejia heals, the team does have a back-up plan.
Collins said Jeurys Famlia would replace Mejia as the team’s closer, with Carlos Torres moving into the 8th as the set-up man and Rafael Montero getting a more “prominent role,” pitching in the 7th inning of games.
Zack Thornton seemed like the logical candidate to replace Mejia on the roster, but he isn’t on the 40-man roster yet, whereas Goeddel already is. That could mean they don’t think Mejia will be out very long, or it’s possible Vic Black could be returning soon, or both.
The Mets were wise to take the conservative approach with Mejia and his elbow. Remember, he had Tommy John Surgery four years ago, so there’s no sense rushing him back quickly considering they have options at their disposal, and other power arms in Black and Bobby Parnell close to returning anyway.
Originally Posted, April 6, 7:15 PM
Michael Baron contributed to this post
Just Mets 
3 responses to “Jenrry Mejia has elbow inflammation, headed to the disabled list”
This is why we stockpile pitching… It’s inevitable every year for every team… Don’t trade decent pitchers unless you get a legitimate difference-maker in return….. Gee, Montero, Carlyle, Colon, Neise are all more valuable to us than the fringe prospect or platoon player we would get in return.
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At some point your need to reload. Gee would be perfect to revamp our farm system. We have nothing beyond Synaguuard and Matz.
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Great post.
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