After undergoing an MRI yesterday, Josh Edgin has been diagnosed with a stretched elbow ligament, according to Sandy Alderson. He will begin the regular season on the disabled list with the hopes of rehabbing the injury, but there is a strong chance that the 28 year old will eventually require season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Regardless of what happens with Edgin, the Mets need to shake up a bullpen that was once relying on him to be the top-lefty option in the late innings. Despite already being thin in this area, Alderson had not done much to improve, as he simply brought back Scott Rice on a minor league deal and inked Duane Below to a minors contract without an invite to Spring Training. He also acquired LHP Sean Gilmartin via the Rule V Draft, and the 24 year old now appears to be a near-lock for Opening Day, barring any big trades.
Most of the left handed relief pitching has been scooped up already, with Joe Beimel and Phil Coke being the last to leave the Free Agent pool last week. More options, however, should become available near the end of the Spring, as team's typically cut those who lose roster battles and have opt-out clauses.
The news isn't only disappointing for the team, but for Edgin as well. The southpaw came off an exceptional year, posting a 1.47 ERA in 47 appearances. His peripherals also looked above average, as he had 9.2 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9 ratios. If this injury takes a turn for the worse and he is forced to undergo the dreaded Tommy John surgery, his future will very much be in question, as he eligible for arbitration next winter.
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