In a better world, top prospects would never have to see Dr. James Andrews. It usually means that Tommy John surgery is coming, which delays a pitcher's development for at least a year, and usually closer to two. When New York Mets' top prospect Jenrry Mejia felt pain in his right elbow, an MRI revealed a tear of his MCL. He was expected to seek a second opinion, which he did, but unfortunately the answer was the same. From Andy Martino of the New York Daily News:

Also, it's official: Mejia saw Dr Andrews today and will have Tommy John surgery.

While it's never convenient or welcome to lose a top prospect -- Mejia was Baseball America's #1 prospect in the Mets' organization entering 2011 -- this one is especially devastating for the Mets, as Mejia was a) pitching well in Triple-A, and b) in line to take the rotation spot that just opened up with Chris Young's injury. Brutal news for Mejia, the Mets, and Mets fans.