KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A high-end bullpen piece for the Mets won’t be returning this season or perhaps next.

Dedniel Núñez is scheduled to have Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career, as confirmed by manager Carlos Mendoza. This decision comes after Núñez was placed on the injured list earlier this month due to an elbow sprain.

Throughout this season, the right-handed pitcher participated in 10 games for the Mets, where he maintained a 4.66 ERA. This follows a cautious approach taken by the team during spring training to gradually build up his strength in order to protect his elbow.

Last season, Núñez pitched to a 2.31 ERA in 25 appearances for the team as a key midseason addition before he was shut down by elbow discomfort.

Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his thoughts on the situation before the Mets’ game against the Royals, mentioning, “He gave it a try. This is something that he dealt with last year and missed the rest of the season. He rehabbed the entire year, worked tirelessly, and managed to enter spring training in good health… It’s unfortunate to see him sidelined once again.”

Núñez, 29, is the third Mets reliever whose season will end with surgery.

Earlier this season A.J. Minter and Danny Young were lost to surgeries. Minter underwent surgery for a torn lat and Young had Tommy John surgery.

The Mets bullpen could receive a boost after the All-Star break, with lefty Brooks Raley nearing completion of his rehab assignment. Raley underwent Tommy John surgery last year and in April re-signed with the Mets.