NEW YORK -- One of the brightest young arms in the Mets' next wave of prospects will not pitch for at least another year. The team announced that left-hander Thomas Szapucki, its fourth-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline, underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday in New York City. The operation typically requires a 12-18-month recovery.
Szapucki, 21, was the Mets' fifth-round Draft pick in 2015. He rocketed up prospect rankings upon posting a 1.38 ERA over two Minor League levels last summer, striking out 86 batters in 52 innings. Missing the first two months of this season due to a left shoulder impingement, Szapucki went 1-2 with a 2.79 ERA, 27 strikeouts and 10 walks in six starts upon his return. He last appeared July 6 for Class A Columbia, departing after two-thirds of an inning.
Along with 2016 first-round Draft pick Justin Dunn, Szapucki had established himself as one of the Mets' most promising young pitchers, capable of dialing his fastball up to 97 mph. Now, he will not throw in a game until at least late next summer, if not 2019.
Still, Tommy John surgery is hardly the end for a pitcher of Szapucki's age and pedigree. Current Mets Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz both underwent the procedure as prospects, eventually recovering to reach the big leagues.