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          New York Mets

          Edgin to get MRI for elbow 'discomfort'

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterMar 10, 2015, 08:40 AM ET
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Josh Edgin is headed for an MRI on Tuesday for elbow "discomfort," an alarming development for a club with little safety net in that lefty relief role.

          Josh Edgin

          Josh Edgin

          #66 RP
          New York Mets

          2014 STATS

          • GM47

          • W1

          • L0

          • BB6

          • K28

          • ERA1.32

          "It's elbow. It's everything. Arm. It's discomfort," Edgin said.

          Edgin's fastball velocity sagged during last year's spring training and he failed to make the Opening Day roster. Now, Edgin has similar issues with his fastball velocity. He gave up consecutive-run scoring triples to lefty batters in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Miami Marlins while registering a modest 88 to 91 mph with his fastball.

          However, pitching coach Dan Warthen on Tuesday told ESPNNewYork.com that last year's issue is different from the current one. A year ago, "we felt like he was out of shape," Warthen said.

          Warthen said the Mets will back Edgin off pitching in games for an undetermined period. Edgin said the entire forearm is uncomfortable.

          Edgin consistently was missing the strike zone, mostly to his arm side, on Monday.

          The Mets' other lefty relief candidates include Rule 5 pick Sean Gilmartin, Scott Rice, Dario Alvarez and Jack Leathersich. The Mets have Darin Gorski and former Tiger/Marlin Duane Below in minor-league camp.

          Mets officials decided during the offseason to collect multiple low-cost lefty-relief options rather than spend on an established complement for Edgin.

          Edgin missed Aug. 24-Sept. 8 last season with elbow soreness. At the time, he indicated he has bone spurs in the elbow. He did not undergo offseason surgery to remove the spurs. Edgin received platelet-rich plasma therapy in August and also underwent an MRI that did not reveal any tears, the southpaw said at the time.

          How long will the Mets back off Edgin? It's too early to say, according to the pitching coach.

          "We'll find out," Warthen said.