Michael Conforto tears shoulder capsule as Mets' injury woes continue

The Mets really can’t catch a break this year.

On Thursday, All-Star left fielder Michael Conforto collapsed in a heap on the ground after swinging and missing on a fastball from Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray as a result of a dislocated left shoulder, the Mets announced.

X-rays after the contest revealed Conforto is dealing with a torn shoulder capsule. He may need to undergo surgery to correct the issue, though the team is considering all forms of treatment.

The 24-year-old took an awkward swing at the pitch – letting go of the bat with his top hand – before immediately falling to the ground and writhing in pain as he grasped his left shoulder. The video footage of the injury isn’t pretty at all.

Conforto, who eventually was able to gingerly make his way to the clubhouse with the help of head athletic trainer Ray Ramirez, has been a lone bright spot in an exceedingly difficult year for the Mets. The former Oregon State standout has impressed this year en route to his first All-Star selection and was hitting .280 with 27 home runs and 68 RBIs entering Thursday.

As a team, however, the Mets have struggled to a 55-70 record and have been beleaguered by the injury bug all year, with nine other players already on the disabled list. Their coveted young starting rotation has especially been hit hard. Starters Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey, Seth Lugo, Steven Matz and Noah Syndergaard are all currently on the disabled list with various ailments.

Adding insult to injury, the team disseminated a list of injuries earlier in the day before losing Conforto to the shoulder injury – making the announcement almost immediately outdated.