Mets’ Closer Bobby Parnell Deciding on Tommy John Surgery

The New York Mets were concerned with the health of closer Bobby Parnell, but they weren’t expecting that he could be out for 12-14 months. Parnell has a partial tear of his UCL, which could mean Tommy John Surgery.

Parnell had surgery last season on a herniated disk in his back; the team was planning on using Parnell less often to start this season to make sure he was fully healthy. After blowing Monday’s home opener, Parnell was taken for an MRI, which showed the tear.

The team announced that Parnell was going to rest and rehab the elbow over the next 6 weeks, but yesterday Parnell told the media that it was 50/50 for surgery right now (courtesy of Adam Rubin). “They’re going to try it. If it doesn’t work, then the surgery is there. If it does work, then continue pitching.” said Parnell. “It’s a relatively new treatment, and they’re fairly optimistic that it can work.” He added that he’ll have his decision made in the next 2 weeks.

The Mets have Jose Valverde penciled in to close games for the time being; they also have in house options in Jeurys Familia, Vic Black (who is in Triple working to regain his control), and Kyle Farnsworth (also in Triple A). Free agent options include Kevin Gregg, Ryan Madson, and Joel Hanrahan; the latter 2 are working back from injuries and might not be ready if signed. Trade options include former Mets J.J. Putz and Heath Bell.