New York Mets could lose another reliever to Tommy John surgery

Kranick has been on the injured list since June 16 with an elbow injury. Prior to going down, the righty was having a breakout season in the Mets' bullpen, posting a 3-2 record, 3.65 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP and 25 strikeouts across 37 innings pitched (24 appearances). Before this season, Kranick had not appeared in the majors since 2022 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 27-year-old made the Mets out of spring training as a result of an impressive showing in camp. Now it appears that his breakout campaign is over if he indeed requires Tommy John surgery, which could be the case.

In addition to Kranick, Mendoza provided an update on righty reliever Jose Butto, who has been on the IL due to an illness since July 1. Per Mendoza, Butto will be pitching in a game in Port St. Lucie on Tuesday. If all goes well, the Mets could have Butto, 27, back in their bullpen by next weekend when the second half of the season begins.

Butto, a long reliever, has been solid this year, posting a 2.47 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP and 39 strikeouts across 47.1 innings pitched (31 appearances) in 2025.

The Mets could use Butto back as soon as possible due to their pitching staff being decimated by injuries as of late. While Kranick could be done for the season, Butto should return in the near future.