A look at Mets players currently on the disabled list

As September is approaching and the magic number is down to 36, let's take a look at what the Mets' disabled list looks like currently and whether any of these players can return in time to clinch the division and/or for the playoffs.

Out for the year

Buddy Carlyle — torn hip labrum

Josh Edgin — Tommy John surgery

Jack Leathersich — Tommy John surgery

Zack Wheeler — Tommy John surgery

Likely done for the season

Rafael Montero — rotator cuff inflammation

For whatever reason, the Mets' medical staff has been unable to make a definitive diagnosis about Montero's shoulder injury. If the injury was only inflammation, then Montero should have returned sometime mid-season given that he was placed on the disabled list on May 1. Although he has resurfaced in the Gulf League, reports have surfaced that he has experienced another setback in his recovery. It would not surprise me if Montero does not get called back up to the Mets until sometime next year.

Jerry Blevins — left forearm fracture

o Blevins refractured his forearm, however has stated that he may be ready to go for late-postseason games, stating his setback is minor. A typical forearm fracture can take anywhere up to 3-6 months to heal with another 3-4 weeks of rehab pitching to get back to form. With few details emerging, I can't state how long his setback pushed his return to the Mets. With that said, I do not believe that he'll be ready for any postseason activity even if the Mets do make it to the World Series.

Possible return in time for playoffs

Bobby Parnell — right shoulder tendinitis

o Per reports, Parnell was given the option to head to the DL or be designated for assignment. He appears fatigued and this resulted in diminished velocity of his fastball in particular and his off-speed pitches somewhat less so. His ERA skyrocketed to 14.14 over his last 10 appearances. Hopefully some time off will help Parnell return to form; he could be ready to rejoin the Mets in mid-to-late September or possibly early October depending on how long the Mets want him to pitch in Triple-A before being called back up.

Will return before playoffs

Lucas Duda — back strain

Duda was placed on the DL over the weekend with a back injury. A back strain is a rather vague diagnosis as there are several muscles (both superficial and deep) that can be possibly strained/torn due to baseball activities. Either way, it does not appear to be a serious injury and likely requires some rest so the muscle(s) can recover properly. A Grade 1 strain (very little tear) takes approximately 10 days to heal with Grade 2 strains (moderate tear) taking about three weeks to heal; as a result, Duda could be back anywhere from early-to-late September based on the severity of the strain and how quickly he recovers.

Erik Goeddel — right elbow strain

Goeddel just began pitching in Binghamton and is expected to be called up when rosters expand in September. Logan Verrett was called up recently because Goeddel only had one outing during his assignment in Double-A.

Steven Matz — strained lat tear

Similar to Goeddel, Matz is currently completing his rehab in Binghamton and is expected to return in early September when rosters expand.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis — pinched nerve in upper back

Like Duda, Nieuwenhuis also has a rather vague diagnosis. A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve root is compressed by a vertebra (bones that make up your spinal column). Depending on severity, a person can experience pain, numbness, tingling, and/or muscle weakness on one side or both sides of their body. Recovery time can vary based on symptoms but Nieuwenhuis will likely be available by late September the latest if the Mets plan to call him back up.

David Wright — spinal stenosis

Finally! Wright is back and wasted no time helping the Mets last night.