Mets' Brooks Raley to undergo Tommy John surgery
Mets left-hander Brooks Raley plans to have Tommy John surgery, ending his season.
As first reported by Newsday's Tim Healey, and confirmed by manager Carlos Mendoza after Tuesday's loss to the Cleveland Guardians, Raley will undergo the procedure next week. The 35-year-old reliever will be a free agent at the end of the season, which puts his future with the Mets in question.
“It’s unfortunate because he gave it everything he had," Mendoza said. "He just kept feeling something there and now we’re going to go in there and see what’s going on.”
Mendoza said they were unsure if Raley would have the traditional TJ surgery or get a brace on his elbow, which comes with a shortened recovery time, but the left-hander tried to pitch this week and still didn't feel right, hence another visit to the doctor and the decision to undergo surgery.
New York acquired Raley in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays before the 2023 season. In 66 appearances last year, Raley pitched to a 2.80 ERA with 61 strikeouts over 54.2 innings. In eight appearances in 2024, Raley had a 0.00 ERA and struck out nine batters in seven innings pitched.
Raley was placed on the IL on April 21 with left elbow inflammation. While there was no return date on the horizon, Mendoza said last week that a recent MRI showed signs that Raley's UCL strain was healing, but he was being shut down for two weeks.
The Mets will now have to lean on their other relievers, especially veteran lefty Jake Diekman. After Tuesday's loss, the Mets (21-27) are six games under .500 for the first time this season.
