Just when it seemed like he had turned a corner with the elbow soreness he had reported about 10 days ago, New York Mets’ starter injured his right hamstring while doing running drills after throwing live batting practice on Thursday, and is now looking at several weeks on the shelf.
The exact diagnosis, after undergoing imaging, is a torn right hamstring and the Mets expect to have their starter back in about six to eight weeks. It is, indeed, a huge blow to the rotation depth, but one that the club will try to navigate through for the first couple of months of the campaign.
“It’s devastating, man,†teammate Marcus Stroman told MLB.com. “I see how hard Carrasco works, and, obviously, we need him in the rotation, I think, to be elite. I want him in the rotation badly. I know how special he is. I know how great he’s been for his career. So I’m hoping that … he proceeds through this and we can get him back fairly early.â€
The Mets need to be careful with Carrasco
Carrasco, acquired by the Mets in January together with shortstop Francisco Lindor, had reported late to camp as he underwent additional imaging and tests related to his leukemia.
Last week, he had reported elbow soreness but said it wasn’t uncommon for him to feel that at this stage of the season, and vowed to be ready for the opening week. He was well on his way to do just that until he tore his hamstring.
A source told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com that “these types of injuries can’t be rushed,†noting that the Mets will have to be careful with their pitcher to avoid any setbacks.
The Mets have the pitching depth to cope with Carrasco’s temporary absence, but it is, without a doubt, a considerable blow to the group, as he was expected to be a mid-rotation stalwart in Queens. He will, just not right now.