Kieran Darcy, ESPN Staff Writer 14y

Mejia has stiffness in right shoulder

MLB, New York Mets

NEW YORK -- Right-handed pitcher Jenrry Mejia, the Mets' prized pitching prospect who was sent down to Double-A on June 20 to stretch his arm out in the hope of turning him into a starter, left his start for Binghamton on Sunday in the second inning because of right shoulder stiffness.

Mejia, 20, threw just 43 pitches in the appearance, which was his second start for Binghamton. He allowed two hits, walking two batters and striking out two batters. Mejia threw 43 pitches, 23 for strikes.

Mejia has always been projected to be a starter, but the Mets decided to keep him on the major league roster at the beginning of this season and use him out of the bullpen. He appeared in 30 games for the Mets, all in relief. He was 0-2 with a 3.25 ERA, giving up 29 hits in 27 2/3 innings pitched. He walked 15 and struck out 17.

Mejia has also been frequently mentioned as a potential trading chip in a deal to land another top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, such as Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt. A serious injury would mean Mejia's trade value would significantly decrease.

Kieran Darcy is a staff writer for ESPNNewYork.com. Follow him on Twitter.

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