NEW YORK, May 9 (UPI) -- Long-time New York Mets reliever John Franco needs "Tommy John" surgery to repair an avulsion of the MCL and flexor tendon in his left elbow and will miss at least the rest of the season.
Franco, the National League's all-time leader with 422 saves over a remarkably durable 18-year career, has not pitched since undergoing surgery Dec. 3 to remove a calcium deposit in the elbow.
The 41-year-old southpaw was delivered the bad news before Wednesday night's game against San Francisco by Mets General Manager Steve Phillips, Manager Bobby Valentine and team physician Dr. Andrew Rokito, who administered the MRI that found the damage.
Franco was advised to wait before deciding whether to undergo the ligament replacement surgery, which would put him out of action for approximately one year, or end his career.
"Obviously, I'm very sad," said Mets ace Al Leiter. "He's my best friend on the team. But knowing John, I don't know what he plans to do. Today's not a day to make decisions. I just hugged him and let him know how much he means to me and the team. I can't say enough what he means to us."
Franco is expected to announce his decision at a news conference at 4:00 Eastern time.
The New York native who was named the Mets' captain last May, Franco was acquired from Cincinnati prior to the 1990 season.
The four-time All-Star trails only Lee Smith (478) on the all-time saves list.
"There's no better team guy, no better captain," Valentine said. "That's all I know. There's no better guy than him."
Franco has the most games pitched (605) and saves (274) in Mets history.
"We are all feeling for him," said Mets catcher Mike Piazza. "We are here for him and love him. If anyone is capable of returning, he's one of those guys."
