SAN DIEGO — Jenrry Mejia’s chances of pitching again in 2013 appear slim, after the Mets on Sunday placed the right-hander on the disabled list with elbow discomfort.
“It doesn’t look very good,” manager Terry Collins said, when asked about Mejia’s possible return this season.
Mejia has been bothered by bone chips in the elbow and is expected to undergo surgery for their removal in the coming weeks. He left Saturday’s start in the fourth inning because of a flare up.
Collins is deciding between using Carlos Torres and Matt Harvey – on normal rest – in Mejia’s spot on Friday against the Tigers.
“We can do [Harvey], but we’re reaching the point where we have to be careful with those two young guys,” Collins said, referring to Harvey and Zack Wheeler, who are facing innings limits. “Do we want to bring [Harvey] back on four days again? The more you pitch him now, the less you are going to see him in September.”
The 23-year-old Mejia is 1-2 with a 2.30 ERA in five starts this season for the Mets and has re-emerged on the organization’s radar. Collins indicated if Mejia is done pitching this season, he has done enough to warrant consideration for a spot in next year’s rotation.
“He is certainly a guy that deserves a legitimate look,” Collins said. “He’s thrown well enough that if he is healthy, he’s a guy who would be one of the top six or seven starters.”