UPDATE: New York Mets pitcher Tylor Megill has just undergone Tommy John surgery, a critical procedure that could sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2026 season. The announcement was made by manager Carlos Mendoza just before the Mets’ crucial three-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, intensifying the urgency surrounding the team’s playoff aspirations.
The surgery took place in Los Angeles on Monday, marking a significant setback for the 30-year-old right-hander who has not pitched since June 14, 2023. In that game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Megill struggled, allowing six runs over just 3.2 innings. Following that performance, he was placed on the 15-day injured list due to an elbow sprain, which later escalated to a 60-day stint as his condition worsened.
“You feel for the individual,” Mendoza stated. “It’s going to be a while before he takes the mound again. Wishing him a quick recovery.”
Megill’s loss comes as the Mets are fighting for a playoff spot, currently tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the final National League wild-card position. His absence thins a rotation that was once ranked fourth in the majors with a 3.38 ERA before the All-Star break but has since plummeted to 24th with a 5.10 ERA in the second half of the season.
In his 14 starts this season, Megill compiled a record of 5-5 with a 3.95 ERA. He had been on a rehabilitation assignment in August but was shut down after experiencing renewed elbow tightness. This injury marks a challenging moment for Megill, who has spent his entire career with the Mets since being drafted in the eighth round in 2018.
“Obviously we’ll miss him when you’re talking about depth,” Mendoza added. “So unfortunate but our job right now is to get him back on the field as quickly as possible.”
As the Mets prepare to face the Cubs, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the implications of Megill’s surgery on the team’s playoff hopes. The Mets must now navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key starters, placing even greater pressure on their remaining pitchers to perform under the spotlight.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, with the Mets needing every potential advantage as they vie for a postseason berth. Fans are eager to see how the team adapts to this significant loss and whether they can rally together during this critical stretch of the season.