NEW YORK -- After receiving a second opinion on his partially torn MCL in his right elbow, the consensus is that Mets starter Jeremy Hefner will need Tommy John surgery, a source told ESPNNewYork.com. The belief is that Hefner will undergo the season-ending operation, according to the source.
Jeremy Hefner
#53 SP
New York Mets
2013 STATS
- GM24
W4
L8
BB37
K99
- ERA4.34
Tommy John surgery had been recommended for Hefner by the Mets' doctors, but Hefner wanted a second opinion and scheduled an appointment with Dr. James Andrews. After not receiving a different opinion, Hefner appears ready to undergo the surgery that could sideline him through 2014.
Hefner said on Aug. 21 that he expected to have the surgery, and while it could keep him out for a full year, he aims to return next year.
"Hopefully 10, 11 months I can come back," Hefner said. "It's all about how your arm rebounds. I look at it as another challenge in my career and hopefully I can come back stronger from it."
Hefner is 4-8 with a 4.34 ERA this year, but he pitched well. After a slow start, he entered the All-Star break with MLB's best ERA dating back to June 4. He struggled after the break as he went 0-2 with a 9.13 ERA in five starts. The Mets originally demoted him to Triple-A before the examination showed the partial tear.
