Wagner Likely Out For Season

Mets closer Billy Wagner may not be back this season, thanks to a linggering "pain and swelling" in the pitcher's left arm.

Wagner hit the DL two weeks ago because of arm pain, and was scheduled to come off the DL for tonight's game against the Atlanta Braves, but he just can't do it.

Now Omar Minaya, who acquired Luis Ayala earlier in the week, will have to go out and try to get a top reliever from a club that is out of playoff contention. It won't be easy, because any player Minaya wants to acquire will have to clear waviers, meaning that any team can swoop in and claim the player.

If the Mets can't land another pitcher, perhaps John Maine, who has struggled with arm trouble all year, may have to move to the bullpen where he could be more effective pitching less innings.

The Mets are in big trouble; injuries have spelled the Mets season. First they lost Mosies Alou for the year with several leg injuires, then the lost Ryan Church for most of the season with a post-concussion symptoms, and even lost Pedro Martinez and John Maine at different points this year with arm stiffness. READ PRESS RELEASE.