The New York Mets announced that relief pitcher J.J. Putz will undergo surgery for a bone spur in his elbow. He will most likely miss the next eight to 12 weeks.
Putz started the season off strong, but began to lose consistency on his pitches through the last few weeks.
In 29 games, Putz has pitched himself to a 5.22 ERA with a record of 1-4. This is not what the Mets were expecting when they acquired Putz from the Seattle Mariners in a three-team deal in Dec. 2008.
To fill Putz's spot in the bullpen, the Mets called up Fernando Nieve from Triple-A Buffalo. Nieve was claimed off waivers from the Houston Astros earlier this year.
In more news, sources are saying that the Mets expect Jose Reyes to be out until the All Star break, a huge shot to the Mets plans of over-taking the Phillies in the NL East.
Who will the Mets grab to fill Reyes’ spot?
Most believe that Alex Cora can handle it well. On the other hand, some believe he will lose his consistency the more games he starts, and that he should be strictly a bench player.
Wilson Valdez, who was recently acquired, can't fit that role either.
The Mets have always been interested in David Eckstein (should the San Diego Padres put him on the trade block), and the Pittsburgh Pirates are still looking to get rid of SS Jack Wilson who could easily be had, if the Mets were to pick up all of his contract.
Other names that are out there are Mark DeRosa and Jhonny Peralta of the Cleveland Indians and free agent IF Mark Grudzielanek—he hasn’t played short stop in quite some time now, but he is a versatile veteran who can still help this ball club.
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