Mets RP Sanchez has surgery, to begin rehab in two months

NEW YORK -- Mets reliever Duaner Sanchez had shoulder surgery Tuesday and is expected to begin his rehabilitation within two months.

Sanchez had a screw inserted in a small bone in front of his right shoulder to repair a hairline fracture. He will need six-to-eight weeks to recover from the surgery and then will begin his rehabilitation. Another six-to-eight weeks after that, he could begin throwing in a competitive situation, according to the Mets.

The right-hander, who hasn't pitched for New York since separating the same shoulder in a taxi accident last July, went 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA before the injury as the team's primary setup man for closer Billy Wagner.

In late March, Sanchez felt a pop in his right shoulder during his first bullpen session in eight months. He cut the session short after 11 pitches.

New York also said that right-hander Juan Padilla's pitching elbow will be examined by team physician Dr. David Altchek on Wednesday. Padilla is on the 15-day disabled list following elbow surgery.