Phil Humber undergoes Tommy John surgery

[BaseballFanatic]

Source: Newsday

The Mets' worst fears were confirmed yesterday when prospect Philip Humber underwent Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow. The operation will keep him out of action for at least a year.

The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews, who recommended the procedure after Humber reported discomfort in his right elbow during his last start for Double-A Binghamton.

The injury is a major setback for Humber, the Mets' first pick (third overall) in the 2004 draft. The Mets had hoped he would be ready to join the big-league staff by 2006; now it's unlikely he'll be pitching anywhere before the '06 All-Star break. "Historically, the recuperation rate from Tommy John surgery is very, very good," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. "But on the average it's definitely at least a year."

Humber's absence also removes a potential bargaining chip from Minaya's pocket as he looks to improve the Mets' roster with 11 days before the non-waivers trade deadline.

"Phil was, if not our top pitching prospect, one of our top pitching prospects," Minaya said. "It means you have to be more careful if you have to make a move."

PHIL HUMBERS PITCHING STATS:[Minor Leagues]

Year--Team--Leag.--W--L--ERA--CG--IP---H--R--HR--BB--SO--K/9--WHIP
2002--Rice---NCAA--11-1--2.78--2--110--90-45--8--43--130--10.6-1.21
2003--Rice---NCAA--11-3--3.30--2--128-102-54-12--39--138--9.7--1.10
2004--Rice---NCAA--13-4--2.27--2--115--87-34--7--37--154--12.1-1.08
CAREER TOTALS-----35-8--2.78--6--353-279-133-27-119-422--10.8-1.13