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Right-hander Bobby Parnell has elected to undergo Tommy John surgery, the Mets announced. The closer was diagnosed with a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his elbow a few days ago.
Parnell, 29, allowed one run in an inning of work on Monday, blowing the save on Opening Day. He had trouble cracking 90 mph with his fastball -- the PitchFX system classified many of his fastballs as changeups -- after averaging 95+ mph from 2010-13. It was clear he wasn't right.
Parnell had surgery to treat a herniated disc in his neck back in December and was slowed a bit in spring training. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow a few days ago and initially planned to try to rehab the injury. Obviously he and the team have changed their mind.
In 49 games and 50 innings last season, Parnell had a 2.16 ERA (166 ERA+) with a 3.67 K/BB. He saved 22 games.
With Parnell out, Jose Valverde has taken over as Mets closer.
