Where Mets injured players are at the start of Spring Training

The Red Sox had the “Curse of the Bambino”, the Cubs seem to have the “Curse of the Billy Goat” the Mets have the curse of the injury. It seems that every year, around the same time, the injury bug hits the entire team as the team we love falls out of contention. This year, the Mets and their fans can only hope for the best when it comes to health. Here are the injury updates regarding all the players that factored into 2013 and will have a role in 2014 (Matt Harvey will not be included due to the constant drama about his injury).

Pitchers:

Josh Edgin: Recovering from a Stress Fracture in Ribs

After showing a fairly impressive rookie season in 2012, the Mets gave him a shot to perform as the primary lefty in the bullpen. After the first month of the season, it seemed that all was lost as he couldn’t even figure out how to even throw a breaking ball. After a miserable stint in the minors, he returned to New York and put up stellar numbers: 23 games, 19.1 innings, 10 strikeouts, and a 0.93 ERA. Then, he was diagnosed with a rib injury. While this enabled the probable final tour of Pedro Feliciano– it was sad to see him go.

All signs point to having him running for the LOOGY (even though he dominated righties) and healthy for 2014.

Jeremy Hefner: Recovering from Tommy John Surgery

Going into 2013, it almost seemed that Hefner didn’t belong in the starting rotation. He backed up these criticisms with an atrocious start to the season with an ERA of 7.07 but bounced back by having an ERA of 2.78 over his next 15 starts (94 innings). He looked like a budding late-bloomer, and at the time, it seemed that the Mets could put together a second-half surge. As we know, this didn’t happen and it turned out that Hefner needed Tommy John surgery.

Recently, he has said that he can start throwing lightly and could be on the fast track to a September appearance. If this does happen, not only would it be another fascinating chapter to the book of Hefner, but he could show that he can be the long-term swingman.

Jenrry Mejia: Recovering from removed bone chips in Elbow

To begin, no matter what anyone says, Mejia has the movement on a fastball in the entire organization. After losing two seasons to Tommy John Surgery, he came back to the Mets to make an electric string of starts. His comeback was cut short with an semi-expected injury of “bone spur” in his elbow.

Usually, my opinions are on point with Terry Collins– but if he allows John Lannan or Daisuke Matsuzaka to start over Mejia then I’d be very disappointed- unless Mejia pitches horribly or is injured (knock on wood).

Bobby Parnell: Recovering from a herniated disk in neck

After years of desperately hoping for Parnell to evolve into a dominant closer- he finally came through with an excellent season. As much as Vic Black is a great guy, Parnell not only deserves the job but also has shown that he can handle a blown save in New York.

There have been some questions on to whether or not he will be available for opening day. If he is not, the default closers job will go to the veterans that were signed. If he is ready, the ninth won’t be so stressful.

Scott Rice: Recovering from Hernia Surgery

Rice was undoubtedly the best story on the Mets, after being drafted in the first round in 1999, he finally made it to the majors in 2013. He closed out opening day and was at the top of league leaders in 2013 for games played- until the injury.

As we head into spring training, the LOOGY job is his to lose. That being said, Jack Leathersich isn’t that far behind.

Batters:

Travis d’Arnaud: Caution to every part of his body

If this man turns into the franchise catcher we have all been hoping for, Mets fans will be in for a treat. The only thing holding this young stud back are the unfortunate injures in his past, including his foot and knee. If all goes well, Mets fans will see a breakout season and no problems with his body.

Ike Davis: Recovering from Oblique Injury

His story has been told a million times, so it won’t be told again here. Many forget, however, that when he was finally on the verge on returning to form he got injured.

This first base competition will be the biggest spring training completion since the 2011 second base competition. Davis should come with a serious attitude and a better bat if he wants to stick in NY.

Wilmer Flores: Ankle Troubles

When Flores first came up to the majors, he was absolutely dominant at the plate and was a run-producing machine. He got into a freak injury by not paying attention to 3rd base and was sidelined for a few days. When he got back into action, he seemed fine for a few days, but then his ankle caught up to him. This resulted in poor production and an overall disappointment.

If Flores wants to get any playing time this year on the Mets, his best bet is shortstop. His ankle will have to be sharp if he wants to play everyday- but as shown in the winter league the kid can rake.

Curtis Granderson: Hand and forearm injury

At the time of his injury there, was no reason to care because he was a Yankee. Now it seems tragic because it could affect his season. If Granderson is healthy and his arms work, there should be no problem reaching the 20HR- 80RBI plateau.

Ruben Tejada: Broken Leg

Even though Tejada was never thought of as a franchise shortstop, he certainly is a quality defensive player. He struggled mightily in 2013 and is looking for a complete do-over this season.

David Wright: Hamstring injury

The scariest moment of the season was watching Wright get injured and pulled off the field. He seems fine and ready to go after acquiring some good pieces this offseason. History will also tell us that this season will be the year that Wright is healthy.