Mets Closer Bobby Parnell To Have Season-Ending Tommy John Surgery
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York Mets closer Bobby Parnell will have Tommy John surgery and is out for the season.
The Mets made the announcement Sunday night.
Parnell blew a save on opening day against Washington and the next day it was revealed he had partially torn right elbow ligament. He received a plasma injection and the original plan was for him to rest about two weeks before starting a throwing program and then deciding whether to have surgery.
Less than a week later, the Mets announced Parnell would undergo ligament replacement surgery on Tuesday.
Parnell was 5-5 with a 2.16 ERA and 22 saves in 26 chances last year, but the hard-throwing right-hander missed the last two months because of a neck injury that required surgery.
The 29-year-old Parnell took it easy in spring training, but was deemed ready for the start of the season. He didn't look it, however, last Monday against Washington. His fastball which usually hits about 95 mph, averaged 92.
With Parnell out, veteran Jose Valverde has taken over closing for the Mets.
"He's been very impressive," Mets manager Terry Collins said of Valverde on Saturday. "He really commands some respect from the younger pitchers, especially the Latin pitchers. He's a true leader. He's very open with stuff. Tremendous work ethic."
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