PHOENIX – Michael Conforto’s free agency will transition into the next off-season.
The former Mets outfielder underwent surgery on his right shoulder last week, which will see him sidelined for the whole of 2022, according to agent Scott Boras. The Post recently reported that Conforto has been given the option of surgery. Jon Heyman from the Post It was first reported on Saturday that Conforto was being treated by Dr. Neal ElAttrache was operated on.
Conforto suffered the injury during training in January, according to Boras. After the lockout was completed, Conforto remained unsigned as he attempted to rehabilitate the shoulder.
Last offseason, Conforto turned down the Mets’ $18.4 million qualifying offer for that year as he wanted a bigger deal. Overall, if Conforto had signed elsewhere, the Mets would have regained a draft pick in the #75-80 range.
But Conforto’s continued unemployment into next winter means the Mets won’t get that compensatory draft pick.
Michael Conforto Robert Sabo
“You don’t want any of your friends or teammates to have surgery, especially something as serious as shoulder surgery,” Pete Alonso said after the Mets’ 5-2 loss to the Diamondbacks. “I wish Mike all the best and a speedy and healthy full recovery.”
Taijuan Walker’s return to the Mets rotation will likely come against the same opponent he last faced.
According to manager Buck Showalter, the right-hander is expected to be taken off the injured list and start in the next homestand against the Phillies on Friday or Saturday. Walker retired after just two innings on April 11 in Philadelphia with shoulder pain that was diagnosed as bursitis.
Team officials are yet to determine whether Walker hosts a simulated game in St. Louis on Monday or if he needs another minor league rehab start before rejoining the rotation. Walker attended a minor league rehab game on Wednesday.
By holding Walker back until Friday or Saturday, the Mets can keep their rotation in order without a break in terms of extra days between starts. Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt and Carlos Carrasco will start the three games in St. Louis. The Mets have Thursday off.
Walker underwent surgery in January to remove damaged cartilage from his right knee. He was pulled early from his last spring training start due to knee problems and then left his start against the Phillies with shoulder pain.
Edwin Diaz initially thought the position was good on his slider, which Daulton Varsho hit for a game-determining homer in Friday’s ninth inning, but upon further review, that was not the case.
“I thought I made a good pitch, but when I saw the video, I left in the middle,” Diaz said. “I threw 14 pitches and they homed the bad one.”
The missed save was Diaz’s first in just two chances this season. The right-hander’s other five appearances on Saturday had come in unsafe situations.
Drew Smith’s stock continues to rise. The right-hander has a perfect ERA across seven appearances. He has allowed three hits and three walks with eight strikeouts in seven innings.