Mets pitcher Bobby Parnell may need surgery for torn ligament in pitching elbow

Bobby Parnell underwent neck surgery last September to correct a herniated disc. (Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

New York Mets closer Bobby Parnell suffered a torn ligament in his right pitching elbow and may undergo surgery, the team announced Tuesday.

The 29-year had complained about tightness in his right forearm after the loss in Monday's season opener at home against the Washington Nationals. In the game, Parnell gave up a one-run lead in the ninth inning, and the Mets ended up losing to the Nationals in 10 innings.

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He then underwent an MRI which showed an incomplete tear of the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) in his right elbow and subsequently received a Platelet Rich Plasma injection.

At the moment, the team has prescribed "complete rest" for the next two weeks, and then he will begin a throwing program to see if elbow surgery is required.

In his absence, veteran right-hander Jose Valverde will possibly be on the mound while Parnell undergoes rehab, according to an ESPN report.

His appearance on Monday was his first since July 30 after having undergone surgery late last year to correct a herniated disc. Parnell ended last season 5-5 with a 2.16 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP and 44 strikeouts in 50 innings, converting 22 saves in 26 appearances before being placed on the DL.

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