Closer Jenrry Mejia was warming up in the bullpen and getting ready to enter the ninth inning on Monday against the Washington Nationals, when he suddenly dashed back to the dugout to alert trainer Ray Ramirez that he had a stiff elbow and couldn’t loosen up.
Mejia apparently told the team he had a tender right elbow two days ago, but the issue still hadn’t cleared up as he tried to get loose.
The team announced Monday evening that Mejia will travel to New York on Tuesday morning for an MRI on his right elbow followed by an examination by team doctor David Altchek.
Both Terry Collins and Sandy Alderson are very concerned and announced some contingency plans in case Mejia lands on the disabled list to rest the elbow or if it’s something that is significantly worse. Mejia has undergone Tommy John surgery previously in 2012.
Alderson told reporters that the team will stick with an eight-man bullpen if Mejia heads to the DL, possibly leading to a promotion for right-hander Zack Thornton.
Collins added that Jeurys Familia would likely take over as the team’s closer with both Carlos Torres and Rafael Montero moving into setup roles.
The Mets used Jerry Blevins to get the first out in the ninth, retiring lefty slugger Bryce Harper. Then 37 year old Buddy Carlyle closed it out and registered the first save of his major league career as the Mets beat the Nationals 3-1 on Opening Day.
