St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina underwent thumb surgery back in October to repair a torn ligament, but rumors indicate the first operation didn't go as planned. In New York, the Mets are reportedly bringing back veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon.
Molina underwent a second thumb surgery on Tuesday, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com. He's now expected to miss most of spring training after it was initially believed he'd be ready after the first procedure. The Associated Press added he'll be in a cast for 4-5 weeks.
"The second surgery took place because Molina was still experiencing discomfort in the thumb," according to The AP. "The first operation came in mid-October after the Cardinals were eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in the NL Division Series."
Molina injured his thumb late in the regular season against the Cubs and attempted to play through the pain after resting down the stretch, but the injury hindered his ability to perform effectively. Perhaps the Cardinals were aware of the potential lingering effects of the injury since they went out and signed veteran catcher Brayan Pena to a two-year deal earlier this offseason.
The better news come from New York, where the Mets have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $7.25 million deal with Colon, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The news was also confirmed by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
The right-hander signed a two-year, $21 million deal with the Mets prior to the 2014 season and it was speculated he'd have suitors this time around (despite being 42 years old) because of his successful campaign in 2015.
He finished 14-13 with a 4.16 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 136 strikeouts in 33 games (31 starts), totaling 194 2/3 innings. He also proved to be an effective middle reliever in the postseason after giving up two earned runs over 8 2/3 innings of work (seven appearances).
Manager Terry Collins said yesterday the team hoped Colon would return to New York and that "there might be a starting spot for him early in the season" since Zack Wheeler won't be ready to make his 2016 debut until at least June as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Stay tuned for confirmations on both of these reports.
