All injuries are frustrating, but Drew Smith feels his is on another level. He contributes to the New York Mets and thinks it could affect his free-agency status.
The Mets confirmed that the 30-year-old pitcher is set to go another Tommy John surgery after getting injured in Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs.
Smith himself said there is significant damage on his elbow, which will be repaired through reconstructive surgery, the second of his career.
The long-time Mets pitcher was emotional while talking about the latest setback.
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"Just sucks, you know?" said an emotional Smith before their series opener against the Houston Astros.
"My second one. Been with the Mets for a long time and I love this organization. They've done a lot for me. And obviously, going into free agency, it's a tough time for this to happen. There's never a good time for it to happen, but this really stings."
Smith was injured during the June 21 game with the Cubs, which he initially tried to play down.
He explained that he felt discomfort while pitching and was better a few days later. However, the pain came back by Sunday, June 23.
He tried to play through pain, and that's where it became more problematic.
"I kind of knew something was going on and I just tried to pitch through it," Smith said. "I don't think the warmup had anything to do with the outcome. I think it was already kind of decided."
Drew Smith's contract with the Mets
Smith has been with the Mets since 2018 when he was promoted by the team after a great stint with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
He is currently the second-longest tenured player on the team, next to Brandon Nimmo.
He signed a one-year, $2.2 million contract in January this year and hopes to prove himself worthy of a bigger contract.
Unfortunately, Edwin Diaz's injury somehow opened up more opportunities for him.
He is currently posting a 3.06 ERA with 23 strikeouts and two saves in 19 games, but he finds it hard to settle in due to injury issues.
Even manager Carlos Mendoza is frustrated by this development.
"Not good news - it's hard, obviously, because of who he is not only as a player but as a person, what he means to this organization," he said.
"This is a professional. He went down early in the year, got back and was always available, always wanted to take the ball, always wanted to help the team."
Mets injury list
Things were starting to look good for the Mets in the last two months as they climbed back into the middle of the standings to remain in contention for a wildcard spot.
However, the last two weeks have been unkind.
Before Smith, the team had already lost Edwin Diaz to a 10-game suspension, while Sean Reid-Foley was on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement.
Left-handed pitcher Brooks Raley is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery last May 29.
The Mets are trying to hang on despite the injuries to key players as they are back in .500 after getting three straight victories.
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