Although an MRI showed a mild strain of his right rotator cuff, reliever Vic Black surprisingly will not be shut down for the season.
Just a week removed from a stint on the disabled list due to a herniated disk in his neck, Mets reliever Vic Black is being temporarily shut down again. The right-hander underwent an MRI on Monday and was diagnosed with a mild strain in his right rotator cuff.
Although there are only eleven games remaining in the 2014 season following Monday night's contest against the Marlins, the Mets will not be putting an end to Black's year. At least not yet, according to general manager Sandy Alderson, who says that Black will take five-to-six days off from throwing.
"It's conceivable he won't pitch again this season. We're not shutting him down completely. It's possible that, with a little rest, he'll be able to pitch again. But he won't pitch if that puts him in jeopardy in any way."
Black made just two appearances since being activated off the 15-day disabled list on September 8, allowing two runs in two innings. His velocity, usually in the mid-90s, was noticeably down in his last outing on Saturday, prompting Black and the club to have the MRI done. The 26-year-old has been a key cog in New York's bullpen since his recall in mid-May, posting a 2.60 ERA in 41 appearances.