Jenrry Mejia injury: Mets' RHP examined for thyroid issue

New York Mets right-hander Jenrry Mejia was sent to New York yesterday to undergo testing for an undisclosed injury that was uncovered during his preseason physical. It turns out that the undisclosed injury is a thyroid issue, not a baseball-related ailment, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.

Mejia was scratched from his scheduled appearance in yesterday's exhibition game and sent to New York for testing. The Mets wanted the right-hander to be further examined after a potential thyroid issue was discovered during a recent physical exam.

Even before his recent injury setback, Mejia already had his spring training delayed by visa issues. The holdup resulted in the 23-year-old only making one appearance for the Mets prior to being scratched yesterday. He allowed five runs - four earned - on three hits and one walk with two strikeouts in his lone inning of work this spring.

Considering the Mets other rotation issues surrounding veterans Johan Santana and Shaun Marcum, Mejia would likely have had a shot at claiming a spot if he wasn't forced to deal with visa and injury issues. As things stand, Rubin believes Mejia is likely ticketed to begin the season in the rotation of New York's Triple-A affiliate.

Mejia appeared in five games, including three starts, for the Mets last season, allowing 10 runs in 16 innings. He spent a majority of the season in the minors, where he maintained an ERA of 3.59 over 30 appearances, including 14 starts, across three levels.