New York Mets Worry That Top Lefty Will Be Out For A While

New York placed Raley on the injured list on April 21 due to inflammation in his left elbow. Raley experienced a similar issue last April, but missed the minimum 15 days. The Mets reportedly thought the severity of this latest issue was similar to last year due to the initial MRI.

Unfortunately, Raley has not recovered well this time around. Per Sherman, further testing revealed that the veteran might be experiencing a long-term issue that could end his season.

Brooks Raley Could Miss The Rest Of The Season With a Left Elbow Injury

Raley, 37, represented a key piece as the sole lefty in New York’s dominant late-inning trio. In eight games this season, Raley posted a spectacular 0.00 ERA with nine punch-outs and three walks. He complimented righties Adam Ottavino and Edwin Díaz well as the main Mets high-leverage relievers.

The Texan was set to enter free agency this winter after what he hoped would be a third straight excellent campaign. Instead, it seems Raley is spending his immediate future hoping to avoid surgery and a lengthy rehab process. Sherman reports that Raley might risk a complete elbow blowout to avoid surgery and rehab at this stage of his career.

Raley didn’t establish himself in the majors until his age-33 season following stints in the majors, minors, and overseas. This winter represents his first taste of free agency and likely the only opportunity he will get to cash in big. Though the nature of this elbow injury is unclear, it seems like it might take that opportunity from Raley and his family.

Raley Replacements

Without Raley, Jake Diekman serves as the only established southpaw in the Mets bullpen. In 11 games this year, Diekman has posted a 3.72 ERA with 14 punchouts in 9 2/3 innings.

The Mets initially signed Diekman as the lefty for middle-innings and low- to mid-leverage situations. While he might be best suited for that role, he will likely take on more of Raley’s responsibilities now.

That said, New York looked like it planned to give more high-leverage innings against lefty batters to Drew Smith and Reed Garrett. Both righties have kept lefties in check this season and have earned a bigger role. Despite Smith going on the IL last week, Garrett has continued excelling in Queens.

Right now, Danny Young is the second southpaw in the Mets bullpen (and picked up his first career win during Thursday’s walk-off winner). The Mets have also used used Tyler Jay and Josh Walker as extra lefties in the bullpen this season. These three arms will all likely have an opportunity to claim a permanent role in the majors with Raley out.