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Source: Texas' Eovaldi has sports hernia surgery

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 16:03 GMT by ESPN
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Mets’ left‑hander Nathan Eovaldi to Undergo Sports Hernia Surgery, Source Says

In a move that is sure to shake up the Mets’ bullpen, a reliable left‑handed reliever has been confirmed to undergo surgery for a sports hernia. According to a Rangers source—who provided the information to ESPN—the pitcher will miss a significant portion of the 2024 season while he recovers from the procedure.

The Injury and Its Implications

Sports hernia—also known as athletic pubalgia—is a painful groin injury that can sap a pitcher’s velocity and command. While it does not involve an actual hernia in the traditional sense, the condition can cause chronic discomfort and limit a player’s ability to produce power. Eovaldi’s doctors have advised that surgery is the best path forward to ensure a full recovery and to prevent further damage to his pitching arm.

“[Eovaldi] has been working through the discomfort, but the imaging shows that it’s best to go in surgically to address the underlying issue,” the source said. “He’ll likely be out for 6–8 weeks. It’s a necessary step.”

The Mets, who acquired Eovaldi in a trade with the Mets in 2019, have been counting on him to stabilize their late‑innings in a bullpen that has struggled to stay in the green this season. The lefty’s recent outings have been a mix of solid performance and the occasional wobble, but his overall contribution has been valued. He was on the active roster this past week, appearing in two games before the injury was officially reported.

A Brief Look at Eovaldi’s Career

Eovaldi was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round of the 2012 MLB draft. He made his major‑league debut in 2015 and quickly became a fixture in Boston’s bullpen. After a stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers and a brief period with the San Diego Padres, Eovaldi was traded to the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder Michael A. Taylor.

During his time in New York, Eovaldi has been a workhorse, logging over 140 innings across the 2019–2023 seasons. In 2021, he posted a 3.07 ERA in 54 appearances, proving his ability to get out of jams with a mix of a four‑ball fastball and a sharp slider. He has been a fan favorite in Brooklyn, known for his calm demeanor and his quick comeback between games.

The Timeline

The Mets’ medical staff indicated that the surgery is slated for the first week of May. The typical recovery time for a sports‑hernia procedure is 6–8 weeks, which would put Eovaldi back in the mix in late July or early August—just in time for the stretch run. The team is working with his doctors to manage his rehab plan and to ensure he does not rush back prematurely.

The Mets’ bullpen coach, Mark DeGale, told reporters that the team will monitor Eovaldi’s recovery closely and will bring in other left‑handed pitchers to fill the void. “We have some depth in the bullpen, and we’ll make sure we keep our game plans flexible. We’re committed to giving Eovaldi the best medical care and the right rehab plan.”

How It Affects the Mets and the Rangers

While Eovaldi is a Mets player, the Rangers were the source that confirmed the injury. The Rangers’ front office has not publicly commented beyond the statement that they were aware of the situation. It is common for teams to share injury information with rivals for a more transparent and accurate depiction of player health, especially when it may affect the competitive balance of the league.

For the Rangers, who have been grappling with their own bullpen inconsistencies, the news serves as a reminder of how injuries can derail a team's trajectory. “We’ve had our share of injuries, and it’s something we keep an eye on,” Rangers pitcher Alex Cora said in a brief interview. “We’re hoping to stay healthy so we can give our fans the best we can.”

What This Means for the Future

Eovaldi’s surgery and extended absence could have implications beyond the immediate season. The Mets’ front office has reportedly begun scouting potential trade targets to bolster the bullpen. “We’re always on the lookout for talent,” the Mets’ general manager, Bobby Buckner, said. “We’ll keep an eye on the market as we get into the next phase of the season.”

In the meantime, the Mets have announced that they will be relying on their younger pitchers—most notably rookie right‑hander J.J. Smith, who has shown promise in his first two seasons—to fill the void. The organization also plans to bring in veteran left‑hander Andrew McCutchen, who is slated to join the team in the offseason.

A Look at Sports Hernia

Sports hernia is not a rare injury, particularly among athletes who engage in high‑impact sports that require quick turns and explosive movements. The condition can result from overuse or from sudden twisting motions, both common in baseball pitchers who must generate power from their lower body. For pitchers, any groin injury can disrupt the kinetic chain and reduce velocity or throw off control.

Players often opt for surgery if conservative measures—such as physical therapy, anti‑inflammatory medications, and rest—fail to alleviate the pain. The surgery typically involves repairing the damaged tissues in the groin area and restoring the integrity of the surrounding muscles.

Bottom Line

Nathan Eovaldi’s upcoming sports hernia surgery marks a significant turning point for both the Mets and the player himself. While the procedure is a standard step for resolving a painful and potentially career‑threatening condition, the timing and recovery period pose a challenge for the Mets’ late‑innings. The team’s next move—whether to fill the void with internal talent or to pursue a trade—will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. As the season moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring that Eovaldi’s rehabilitation is thorough and that he can return in full strength, ready to help the Mets finish strong.