After Sunday’s brutal 7-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, Mets closer Jenrry Mejia disclosed to reporters that he has been pitching with a sports hernia for the last three weeks, in addition to the calf injury he has dealt with this week – likely the reason for his recent struggles.
Mejia is 0-2 over his last four appearances with a blown save, and has seen his ERA creep up to 3.89 for the season.
The frustrating part, is that Mejia told reporters that he plans on pitching through the injury, something that ex-Met Tim Byrdak warned against:
Dear Mr Mejia. I pitched with sports hernia in 2010, results will not get better because you won’t be able to finish your pitches#justssayin
— Tim Byrdak (@Givemethelefty) August 10, 2014
I get that players want to play hurt for a variety of reasons – personal pride, wanting to help the team, etc. – but it is really a selfish thing to do, and more likely than not you are hurting the team.
Mejia at 60-75% is neither as good nor as effective than his healthy replacement closer (likely Jeurys Familia) would be in his stead.
Quite frankly, unless your name is Mike Trout, that is probably the case.
If a player plays hurt with something that would best be healed by a stint on the disabled list, they’re hurting their team not only with their diminished production on the field, but by taking up a roster spot and forcing their team to play short-handed if the manager refuses to use the player.
In a case like Mejia’s, this is actually a foreseeable consequence because Terry Collins may decide to simply not use him until he’s healthy or space out his appearances more.
This will lead to the bullpen being effectively short a man, so more frequent outings for everyone else, wearing them out quicker (But when has Collins ever overused a bullpen guy, right?).
Whether it’s David Wright playing with a broken back in 2011, or a whatever is wrong with him this year that he won’t admit, or Mejia going with a sports hernia and a bad calf, playing hurt is stupid and selfish, even if the reasons for doing so are noble.
Joe Vasile is a play-by-play announcer in the New York/New Jersey and Pennsylvania area.
If I’m his agent I would be advising him to have his own doctor examine him and then approach TC or SA about his injury. I don’t have any confidence that the injury he has will be properly diagnosed and treated. Second he’s risking his career for what? A few additional wins for the team? How does a picher help his cause playing hurt?And how is it no one on TC’s staff hasn’t noticed?
I think you’re underestimating the number of guys who play hurt.
Playing hurt is only “stupid” when the results aren’t there. I remember RA saying he had to take some sort of shot before every start in either 2011 or 2012 (can’t remember which one), but he still pitched brilliantly in both seasons.
I think you’re underestimating the number of guys who play hurt.
Playing hurt is only “stupid” when the results aren’t there. I remember RA saying he had to take some sort of shot before every start in either 2011 or 2012 (can’t remember which one), but he still pitched brilliantly in both seasons.
I’d give Mejia an outing or 2 more. If the results still aren’t there then i’d discuss whether the injury needs to be addressed some more.
Mejia is just becoming more predictable. First pitch curve, followed by a fastball.
He needs to change that.
And yes, Familia will be the closer eventually.
I think many, many pitchers play hurt all the time. We can’t make broad sweeping statements, I think it must be evaluated on a case by case basis, informed by 1) Possibility of worsening the injury; and 2) Overall effectiveness.
David Wright is hurt right now. Lots of players are, all over the sports landscape.
Of course, there’s a point where it becomes counter-productive. But it’s very hard to say from where most of us sit.
Bob Ojeda wrote a terrific piece in the NY Times, titled, I believe, “My Left Arm.” Basically, you are not 100% healthy. Worth reading.
JP is right — this is a terrific article and I cannot stress enough how much you should click the NY Times link and read the piece.
Brian, you are correct. It is a “terrific” article. It was a joy to watch Bobby O. pitch in the glory days of the 80’s Mets. Now I know how valiant an effort it was.
playing hurt is part of the game. however, once the value of competitive spirit and accomplishment loses out to injury, then its time to sit out and get better. He clearly has a mix of injury and batters figuring him out, but its reached a point where he is putting games on the line. Im more concerned as he has to over compensate for losing core strength because of a muscle tear he may be loading his shoulder/elbow more and potentially exposing a higher injury risk elsewhere in his body.
If Mejia can still throw quality pitches and injure himself further, I say let him pitch. However, the Mets should be cautious with him and not pitch him day-to-day and only make him warm up if he absolutely needs to.
If Mejia can still throw quality pitches and avoids injuring himself further, I say let him pitch. However, the Mets should be cautious with him and not pitch him day-to-day and only make him warm up if he absolutely needs to.
On pitching with an injury I would like to remind you of the case of Dizzy Dean and the sudden end of his career. As Casey said “you can look it up.”
The Mets aren’t in the playoff hunt, so it’s time to shut anyone down with injuries. They did the right thing with deGrom, they need to do the same with Mejia. Don’t sacrifice the future for today. If the playoffs were on the line, different story.
Put Mejia on the DL and bringing up Gonzalez Germen. Familia to the closer role.
A third baseman playing hurt is one thing. A pitcher is a whole separate issue. They could be out for the entire year by compounding the injury. Shut him down. This is costing us games and risking his health. Foolish.