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New York Mets: Carlos Carrasco undergoes elbow surgery

By David Hill

Oct 2, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) reacts after giving up two runs during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) reacts after giving up two runs during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Although he was a throw-in to the Francisco Lindor trade, Carlos Carrasco was still expected to have a key part with the New York Mets. The plan was to have Carrasco in the back of the rotation, a key innings eater following their hoped for trio of stars.

Instead, injuries, including to Carrasco, ended those plans. He ended up undergoing surgery, having a bone fragment removed from his right elbow.

New York Mets pitcher Carlos Carrasco has elbow surgery

He lasted just 53.2 innings this year and was hardly effective in that span. Carrasco posted a 6.04 ERA and a 1.435 WHiP, striking out 50 batters with 18 walks while surrendering 12 homers. That just is not the production that the Mets needed.

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It is not that long ago that Carrasco was one of the more underrated pitchers in the game. He had won 35 games between 2017 and 2018, posting a 3.33 ERA and a 1.110 WHiP over his 392 innings, striking out 457 batters with 89 walks. Even if he is not that pitcher any longer, the Mets were hoping for much more than they received.

Maybe the bone fragment caused his issues this past season. However, he is also going to be 35 years old at the start of the upcoming year. It is unlikely that he will ever retain that form. Yet, that does not mean he cannot be a solid back of the rotation arm for 2022.

That is really all the Mets should expect. While they are going to need to rework their rotation this offseason, and have to hope for improved health, Carrasco really should not be more than a fourth or fifth starter. Even though he will resume throwing this winter, that is all the Mets should hope for.

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Carlos Carrasco underwent surgery to remove a bone fragment on Wednesday. This may be the reason why he struggled so much in 2021.

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