:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7112350/145295532.jpg)
According to ESPN New York, Dillon Gee will undergo surgery on Friday in St. Louis to repair damage to the artery in his pitching arm. Gee entered the hospital earlier this week, and doctors found a blood clot in the artery. They were able to clear it, and Gee was released from the hospital today, but the next step in Gee's recovery wasn't clear until now.
As a result of the procedure, Gee is expected to miss at least six-to-eight weeks, which would make his return to the Mets' rotation very difficult this season, even if the team makes it into the postseason. The clear priority here is Gee's health.
After a decent season in 2011, Gee looked much better this year. Despite his 4.10 ERA, Gee had improved upon his strikeout and walk rates and looked like a much improved pitcher.
The Mets previously announced that Miguel Batista would take Gee's spot in the rotation in the short term, but now that it appears he will miss most or all of the rest of the season, they should at least consider their other options, namely Matt Harvey.