A popular New York Mets player this season is almost ready to return to the field. Veteran left fielder Brooks Raley caught the industry’s eye this season thanks to his fantastic performance. According to SNY, Raley is one of the best relievers this season and a reason for some of the Met’s biggest successes. Additionally, Raley also has the sixth-best ERA score.
Raley was taken off the field and put on the 15-day injured list on April 21 due to inflammation in his left elbow. Before his injury, Raley had been last seen pitching against the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting pulled after giving up a double to catcher Will Smith. Not too long afterward, MRI results confirmed that Raley had avoided serious damage to his elbow, resulting in him only needing a minimum of 15 days, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
Thankfully, it seems that the results have held. Following a week of rest, it seems that Raley is ready to return to the field. According to SNY, it was revealed that Raley has been playing catch and is closer to leaving the injured list. Mendoza stated to reporters that he’d be returning as soon as he was eligible, as soon as May 5th.
Raley isn’t the only Mets player expected to return this month. Tylor Megill and Drew Smith are expected to return sometime in mid-May. Megill Megill left the field on March 31 due to muscle strain on his right shoulder after four innings. Raley briefly returned to the bullpen on April 19 after a week of rest and then again on April 27. Raley is expected to pitch again on May 2 before his return.
Drew Smith was held off the field due to a similar injury to Raley. Smith was pulled on April 20 due to soreness in his right shoulder. Following a three-day break, Smith returned to the field only to experience the same muscle soreness. The team hopes that he will be able to make a return after two weeks.
Hopefully, these returning players will be able to keep the Mets successful season going.