The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Familia might require surgery
Mets star closer has blood clot, will be examined today.
The New York Mets’ season of high expectations took another hit Thursday when All-Star closer Jeurys Familia was diagnosed with a blood clot in his pitching shoulder that might require surgery.
The arterial clot will be examined today in St. Louis by Dr. Robert Thompson, who treated starter Matt Harvey last year for thoracic outlet syndrome, the Mets said in a statement.
New York entered the year with hopes of returning to the World Series behind their dominant starting staff and a lineup led by slugger Yoenis Cespedes. But the Cuban outfielder tops a crowded disabled list that includes pitchers Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Seth Lugo; first baseman Lucas Duda; catcher Travis d’Arnaud; and captain David Wright.
Familia’s surprise diagnosis came on an off day before New York opens a series in Milwaukee. General manager Sandy Alderson is expected to provide more details on the 27-year-old right-hander before today’s game. Treatment could include blood thinners and surgery.
In 2012, Mets pitcher Dillon Gee had a blood clot removed from his arm and missed the rest of the season.
The Mets so far are making news more for injuries and off-field follies than success between the lines.
Harvey will make his first start today since being suspended three games by the team for failing to show at the ballpark for a game.
Syndergaard, also an AllStar last year, skipped a start with biceps and shoulder discomfort, but refused to have an MRI. In his next start, he tore a lat muscle that landed him on the 60-day DL.
Familia has made just 11 appearances this year after serving a 15-game suspension to start the season for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy. He was 3 for 3 in save opportunities before Wednesday.
Addison Reed converted all four save opportunities filling in for Familia, but taking Reed out of his setup role taxes the thin bullpen.
Blue Jays: Left-hander Francisco Liriano went on the 10-day disabled list with a sore shoulder, and Toronto recalled right-hander Leonel Campos from Triple-A.
Liriano allowed a season-worst seven runs in two-plus innings Wednesday against Cleveland, failing to finish four innings. He’s 2-2 with a 6.35 ERA in seven starts.
Liriano is the third Blue Jays starting pitcher currently on the DL, joining left-hander J.A. Happ (elbow) and righthander Aaron Sanchez (blister). Toronto is also without third baseman Josh Donaldson (left calf ), shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (right hamstring) and catcher Russell Martin (left shoulder).
Rockies: Shortstop Trevor Story went on the 10-day DL with a strained left shoulder. The team also said lefthander Tyler Anderson would not start Thursday against the Dodgers due to inflammation in his left knee. Right-hander Jeff Hoffman was recalled from Triple-A to take his place. Anderson will throw Saturday.
Mariners: Second baseman Robinson Cano was scratched from the lineup because of a sore right quadriceps. Mike Freeman started in his place.