The New York Mets are bringing back pitcher Chris Young on a minor league contract.
Young, 32, started four games last year for the Mets before undergoing surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his right shoulder. He did well in those starts, allowing just 5 runs in 24 innings. Young underwent the same shoulder procedure Johan Santana had, only eight months later. That means he won't be mound ready until midseason.
Young has a good track record, with a 3.74 ERA over his 8 year career. The last few years the issue has been health, as he's only made eight starts in two years. The Mets already have five starters penciled in with Santana, R.A. Dickey, Jon Niese, Mike Pelfrey, and Dillon Gee, so Young may just be injury insurance. However, sources have indicated the Mets are trying to shop Pelfrey, who's had a tough spring. Young's signing could indicate the Mets don't think Pelfrey will be with the club by midsummer. Most likely the signing represents the latest incarnation of the montra "you can never have too much pitching."