Emotional Drew Smith likely headed for second elbow surgery with the Mets

NEW YORK (AP) — An emotional Drew Smith acknowledged his future with the New York Mets is uncertain Friday, when the right-handed reliever and impending free agent said he’d likely need a second reconstructive surgery on his elbow.

Smith went on the injured list with a right elbow sprain Tuesday, two days after he exited after getting two outs in the ninth inning of a 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs because he had a hard time getting loose. The 30-year-old was pressed into action and tried warming up on the field after closer Edwin Diaz was ejected for having an illegal substance on his hand.

Smith said an MRI revealed “…some pretty significant damage.” He is scheduled for a second opinion with Dr. Keith Meister but said he expects to undergo either Tommy John surgery or the UCL repair with an internal brace. Smith missed the 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

“Just sucks, you know?” said Smith, whose voice broke as tears formed in his eyes as he spoke before the Mets' 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.”