Mets' Key Pitcher Likely Headed for Tommy John Surgery

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 20: Drew Smith #33 of the New York Mets pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on April 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Smith is likely heading for another Tommy John surgery.

New York Mets right-handed reliever Drew Smith told reporters on Friday that he's likely heading for another Tommy John surgery.

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Smith, 30, was placed on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday. Smith initially felt something in his elbow last Friday but thought the issue would go away and tried to pitch through it.

Unfortunately, it didn't, and after right-handed pitcher Edwin Diaz got ejected from Sunday's game due to a sticky substance on his hand, Smith had to quickly ramp up for another appearance. He didn't think that quick ramp up had anything to do with his injury, though: "I don't think the warmup had anything to do with the outcome," Smith said to reporters on Friday.

Nonetheless, Smith was very emotional when speaking about the presumed end of his 2024 season.

"This really stings," Smith said to reporters on Friday. "It sucks man. This will be my second one. I've been with the Mets for a long time and I love this organization, they've done a lot for me over the years."

Smith and the Mets are seeking a second opinion, but in all likelihood, Smith will undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career just months before he's scheduled to enter free agency.

"Going into free agency, it's a tough time for this to happen, there's never a good time for this to happen," Smith said. "I loved my time here, I don't know if it's over obviously but it could be, and it just sucks to see it end like this."

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is hurting for his reliever.

"It's hard man," Mendoza said. "This is a professional. He went down earlier this year and got back and was always available and always wanted to take the ball. To see him go down this way is hard, but he'll get through it."

Smith was in the midst of a great season with the Mets, sporting a 3.06 ERA in 19 appearances. However, he'll now miss the rest of the 2024 season, and most likely a majority (if not all) of the 2025 season.

The Mets initially acquired Smith back in 2017 from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for first baseman Lucas Duda. Smith debuted in 2018 and has made 191 career appearances with New York, sporting a 3.48 ERA.

This will be his second Tommy John surgery. He missed all of the 2019 season rehabbing his first surgery.

The Mets will have to be without one of their better relievers, as they look to continue this hot stretch of play. The Mets enter their last series of June with a 15-6 record for the month, and a 39-39 record overall.

"It's a cruel game," Smith said. "And sometimes it's unfair."

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