Wagner Suffers Setback, Season in Jeopardy

All seemed well for Billy Wagner on Saturday. The Mets closer finished a simulated game and was on track to return to the Mets on Monday. Then Wagner's elbow began to swell. What was concerning is Wagner didn't hurt his elbow, but was sent to the disabled list for a forearm strain. On Monday it was decided that Wagner would not come off the disabled list. He was diagnosed with elbow stiffness and would receive further evaluation on Tuesday. Well the further evaluation isn't good. An MRI revealed today that Wagner is suffering from elbow inflamation, which could cause him to miss the remainder of the season. "I'm very frustrated, but there's not much for me to do," Wagner said. "I want to play. I want to compete. There's only so much time in a career and I want to get out there and help my teammates. We're in a great situation right now. We're leading our division and we've got a great chance to go to the playoffs and you want to be a part of that." It's pretty much a "wait and see" approach. Wagner will rest his arm and wait until doctor's re-examine him and deem him healthy to begin throwing. Until this happens, all baseball activities have been halted. Since it's up the swelling to subside, there's no timetable for Wagner's return. This is a big blow to the Mets, whose bullpen has been frightening this season. While Wagner is out, expect the closer by committe (Joe Smith, Aaron Heilman, Duaner Sanchez, Pedro Feliciano) to continue.