Mets pitching prospect Marcos Molina evaluated for Tommy John surgery

High-A St. Lucie right-hander Marcos Molina was shut down on May 14 with elbow problems. Now, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin, the Dominican pitcher is being "evaluated" for possible Tommy John surgery.

Molina pitched well in his first six starts, even though he went 1-4 with a 4.41 ERA. He had struck out 32 batters and walked just eight in 32 innings. Before the season, Amazin' Avenue ranked Molina as the #9 prospect in the Mets' system. Here's what Steve Sypa had to say about him at the time:

"Given the way Molina dominated the New York-Penn League, there’s no denying he has talent. His mechanics, however, scare me. He’s gotten to where he is with them, so I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully, putting more innings on his arm does not catch up with him and he remains an effective—and healthy—starter for years to come."

With Matt Harvey finally returning to the mound this season, Bobby Parnell currently rehabbing, and Zack Wheeler on the shelf for the next year, the Mets are a bit too familiar with Tommy John surgery. Let's hope Molina isn't the next to go under the knife.