NEW YORK (AP) — Drew Smith had Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure on Friday, likely sidelining the New York Mets reliever until 2026.
Smith, who will become a free agent after this season, last pitched on June 23, exiting after recording two outs in the ninth inning of a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. He had difficulty getting loose after warming up on the field when closer Edwin Diaz was ejected for having an illegal substance on his hand.
An MRI revealed “some pretty significant damage,” according to Smith. He had hoped for a UCL repair via an internal brace, which might have allowed him to return next season. However, full Tommy John surgery requires a 12-to-18 month recovery period. “It’s tough because he’ll miss all of next year,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said before Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. “But he’s young and has a lot of innings left. We’re hoping for a quick recovery and will support him.”
Smith finished the season 1-1 with two saves and a 3.06 ERA. He has a career record of 12-13 with a 3.48 ERA and five saves in 191 games, all with the Mets. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for Lucas Duda on July 27, 2017, Smith debuted on June 23, 2018, making him the second-longest tenured player on the team after left fielder Brandon Nimmo.