The New York Mets pitching depth took yet another blow, with news that right-hander Seth Lugo has been diagnosed with a torn UCL in his pitching elbow.
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the ligament that is commonly repaired in the always-dreaded Tommy John surgery. However, as Mets beat reporter for MLB.com Anthony DiComo writes, the report right now is that Lugo will not need surgery, but will instead rely on rest to hopefully heal the UCL.
The news does not come at a particularly good time for the Mets, who are also dealing with injuries from starters Steven Matz and now Noah Syndergaard, whose Opening Day start was cut short due to a blister on his pitching hand. While Lugo was likely destined to start 2017 in the bullpen, rather than in the rotation, he was a prime candidate to fil in as needed for the Mets’ oft-injured rotation.
Lugo was a pleasant surprise for the Mets last season. During his Major League stint last year, in which he filled in for more prominent starters Matz, Matt Harvey, and Jacob deGrom, Lugo was an integral piece in the Mets’ late-season run to a National League Wild Card berth. In 2016, Lugo made 17 appearances, including eight starts, earning a 5-2 record with a 2.67 ERA and just a 1.09 WHIP.
Lugo also impressed in his appearances during this past month’s World Baseball Classic. Lugo made three appearances in the WBC for Team Puerto Rico and even started in the championship game against the United States.
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It is unclear whether pitching in the WBC caused or affected Lugo’s injury, but according to Newsday’s Marc Carig, there are thoughts that pitching in the WBC could have played a direct role in the injury.