The Mets' pitching depth has taken a hit for this season and next.
Today, the Mets announced that Jenrry Mejia will undergo surgery within the next 7-10 days to remove bone spurs from his elbow, an ailment he was pitching with all season. Mejia will likely be ready for spring training next season and he may even pitch in winter ball according to manager Terry Collins.
After a three year downturn that had seen Mejia go from top prospect to forgotten man, he was able to showcase some of his former potential in five starts for the Mets this season, pitching to a 2.31 ERA in 27⅓ innings (five starts) with 27 strikeouts and just four walks.
The news is far worse for Jeremy Hefner. It was confirmed today that he will likely need Tommy John surgery on his elbow to repair a partially torn MCL. It is a procedure that could potentially keep him out of action for all of 2014.
Despite being the least heralded member of the Mets' rotation, Hefner was able to hold his own this season, posting a 4.30 ERA and 4.48 FIP in 130 innings. Hefner particularly excelled in June, posting a 1.30 ERA in 30 innings.