Brooks Raley slated for elbow surgery. What does it mean for the Mets bullpen?
CLEVELAND — One of the Mets' best high-leverage options out of the bullpen is likely done for the rest of the season.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday that left-hander Brooks Raley would be headed for surgery next week to repair the UCL strain in his left elbow.
"It's unfortunate because he gave everything he had," Mendoza said. "He kept trying. Obviously, he went for second opinions, and he just kept feeling something there and now he's going to go in there and see what's going on."
The 36-year-old Raley had been one of the most reliable arms in the Mets' bullpen since coming over from the Rays in a trade before the 2023 season. This season, Raley tossed seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and two hits and three walks allowed before being sidelined with elbow inflammation on April 28.
After Raley pitched to a 2.80 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 61 strikeouts in 54⅔ innings last season, the Mets elected to bring back the southpaw with his $6.5 million club option. Raley had been sharing the setup role with Adam Ottavino depending on the game situation.
"It's unfortunate because what it means to this team and obviously his career, but we wish him the best," Mendoza said. "I know he's going to try everything he can to get back on the field as soon as possible. Hopefully, it's something that we get fixed here and he's back on the field."
Where this leaves the Mets bullpen
The Mets began the season with two left-handers in Raley and Jake Diekman, who had each revitalized their careers with the Rays.
This season, Diekman, who leads with his mid-90s fastballs and works in a sweeper and changeup, is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 16.1 innings. He gave up a big pinch-hit two-run home run to David Fry on Tuesday, but Mendoza remains confident that he can be the team's leading lefty.
"The execution's there, the life is there," Mendoza said. "I think he's in a good spot."
The Mets also recalled 29-year-old left-hander Josh Walker for the second time this season on May 15. In five games this season, Walker has allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks across seven innings (2.57 ERA) while striking out six.
At the Triple-A level, the Mets also have a pair of lefties in Danny Young and Tyler Jay, who have each seen a small amount of time with the Mets this season.
"We're gonna have to piece it together, not only with lefties but some of the righties that are capable of getting lefties out," Mendoza said. "It's a big loss for us, but it'll be an opportunity for somebody else and guys will step up."
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets: Brooks Raley to have elbow surgery. What it means for bullpen
