Mets closer Bobby Parnell has a partially torn elbow ligament after just 25 pitches this season and might need surgery.

Bobby Parnell #39 of the New York Mets
Bobby Parnell of the New York Mets (Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
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Parnell gave up Denard Span's tying double in the ninth inning during Monday's opening 9-7 loss to Washington. It was the right-hander's first save opportunity since a neck injury that required surgery and sidelined him for the final two months last season.

He complained of tightness in his right elbow after Monday's game. The Mets said he was examined Tuesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery. An MRI showed a partial tear of the right medial collateral ligament.

The team said he received a plasma injection and will rest about two weeks. Parnell then will start a throwing program, and a decision on surgery will be made after that.

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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