Mets injury update: Erik Goeddel getting closer to return

Mets reliever Erik Goeddel is taking steps in returning from a nebulous elbow injury that sent him to the disabled list back on June 12. Goeddel is currently throwing on flat ground from 120 feet and the plan is for him to get him on the mound in four or five days for the first time since being injured.

Goeddel's injury was originally difficult to diagnose because he’s had so many previous arm issues; the MRI wasn’t able to show a clear picture of what was wrong with the 26-year-old righty. Goeddel recently discussed the many procedures that have been performed on his arm.

"I had full ligament reconstruction. I had my nerve moved twice. I got scoped back there. So there's a lot of scar tissue and stuff that's been moved around and whatnot. From an MRI, I mean, they didn't see my bone ripped in half or anything. But it's tough for them to see what's going on"

Goeddel has been very effective this year out of the Mets bullpen. In 23 innings pitched, he has a 1.96 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. The University of California product was drafted by the Mets in the 24th round of the 2010 draft and was first called up last September before becoming a regular out of the bullpen this season.