Brooks Raley’s elbow issue is more “complex” than what the left-hander and the Mets initially anticipated. It’s even more complex given his age (36 next month) and his contract status (free agent this winter), which is why he’s seeking an outside opinion with one of the top elbow specialists in baseball, Dr. Keith Meister.
“There are options,” Raley said Saturday at Citi Field. “We can potentially try to throw through it and see how that goes, which we did a little bit and kind of shut it down so we can get the inflammation down. But overall, I don’t have all the answers.”
Raley has been given a few different diagnoses from Mets team doctors and Dr. Meister, who saw his MRI results but has not seen him in person. He’s been told he has fraying in his ulnar collateral ligament and has bone spurs. Fraying of the UCL could mean an internal brace surgery, or it could require Tommy John surgery. Bone spur removal would require a recovery period of 2-3 months.
Having sought multiple opinions, the reliever decided to travel to Texas to see Dr. Meister in person to gain more clarity. Raley has never had any major elbow issues in the past but has seen Dr. Meister, so he’s comfortable with the surgeon and respects his opinion. The Texas Rangers doctor is one of the premier shoulder and elbow specialists in baseball.
“I know there has been some speculation on both sides,” Raley said. “‘Oh, he has this,’ or ‘Oh, he has that.’ But it’s more complex than that.”
The Mets are getting by with one left-hander in the bullpen, Jake Diekman. Left-handers Josh Walker, Danny Young and Joey Lucchesi are all on the 40-man roster, currently playing with Triple-A Syracuse.
After going on the 15-day injured list April 21, Raley received a cortisone injection to help with the swelling and inflammation. He continued to play catch from flat ground, but the swelling and inflammation persisted. Raley underwent another MRI before the Mets started a six-game road trip in Tampa and the team said there was no structural damage.
However, there is damage of some sort, the extent of which the team and Raley have not made public.
“Originally, I was very optimistic,” Raley said. “Original report said you’re good to go, no issues here. I was kind of excited about that. But then you get a few more eyes on it, and it’s like, hold on a second. I was trying to throw and just didn’t feel quite right. So it’s unfortunate, for sure. I love this team, I love this, this clubhouse and the fans and whatnot.”
SENGA ‘ISN’T THERE YET’
Kodai Senga faced hitters twice and decided he didn’t like what he saw. He has paused his live batting practice sessions in favor of throwing in the bullpen and working on his mechanics.
“He’s very meticulous on how he goes about his business and the way the ball’s coming out of his hand,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I feel he’s still searching for that. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has to throw a couple more bullpens before we put in a live BP setting or go down and face real competition in the minor leagues.”
The right-hander’s rehab from a strained capsule in his shoulder is taking longer than anticipated. He’s eligible to come off the injured list May 27, but has not yet started a rehab assignment. There is still time to get him ready for game action by June, but if he needs even more time, the Mets are going to let him take it.
“This is a guy who knows himself better than anybody and we’ve just got to continue to play it slow and give him the time he needs,” Mendoza said. “If he needs two extra days to throw an extra bullpen, so be it.”
NIMMO DAY-TO-DAY
Outfielder Brandon Nimmo experienced right side tightness on a check swing during the third inning. He was removed after the fourth inning for precautionary reasons with intercostal irritation and is considered day-to-day.
The Mets don’t expect him to undergo any imaging.
“I finished the at-bat and as I got out to the outfield in the inning continued, with the colder weather and everything I was just starting to get a little bit stiff,” Nimmo said. “So I made the decision with [Mendoza] and our trainers that it was probably better to play it safe here.”
