MET NOTES
Scott Strickland’s mind is set on Tommy John surgery, although the Mets have not confirmed he would definitely undergo the procedure.
Strickland, who seemed despondent speaking with reporters by his locker yesterday, wants to undergo the ligament replacement surgery as soon as possible.
“I feel like I’m in trouble or I did something wrong,” said Strickland, who believed he might have injured his right elbow because he pitched through a groin problem.
The right-handed reliever, who has been on the DL since May 11 with a ligament tear in his right elbow, told a reporter he wanted the surgery after meeting with manager Art Howe late Tuesday afternoon.
The Mets would not go that far, although they said Strickland would meet with Anaheim-based specialist Lewis Yocum when the team is playing the Angels next weekend and would likely have the surgery in California June 17.
“In his mind, he’s moving to that point,” Phillips said. “They haven’t set it in stone.”
Strickland, who had begun playing catch recently, endured too much discomfort to continue a rest and therapy path. Team doctor Andrew Rokito gave a conservative diagnosis a few weeks ago despite a 50 percent tear in the ligament. Former Met doctor David Altchek gave a second opinion this week.
“I’ve never had an elbow problem in my life [before this],” Strickland said.