New York Mets Reliever To Undergo Surgery; Out For Months

 

It was only a precautionary move a few weeks back when the New York Mets noticed unusual command issues and a dip in velocity in rookie right-handed reliever Bryce Montes de Oca, and sent him for some tests.

The MRI showed no structural damage, but a stress reaction that would keep him out for a few weeks. Now, however, Montes de Oca will have to have arthroscopic surgery to remove bone fragments from his throwing elbow. He'll now be out for four months. 

There's a change, according to a report by Russell Dorsey, that he might be able to make a return later in the season. 

It's a tough break for the rookie who made a very brief debut with the Mets last season, getting into just three innings. He was in the running this spring for a bullpen spot with the big club. He was throwing heat, over 100 mph consistently, in two scoreless innings before the issues cropped up. He averaged 13.4 strikeouts per nine in the minors. 

At 6'7", 265 pounds, Montes de Oca has had some trouble keeping himself healthy during his rise through the minors. He's also undergone surgeries for his knee, shoulder, and back. 

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