NEW YORK -- New York Mets reliever Taylor Buchholz, who originally landed on the disabled list a month ago with right shoulder soreness, will remain inactive for the "foreseeable future" after being diagnosed with depression and anxiety, the team announced.
General manager Sandy Alderson said the organization disclosed the issue with Buchholz's consent to explain his prolonged absence for an injury that has since healed.
"Taylor felt that it was important for his situation to be clarified," Alderson said. "We did, too, to the extent that he's home resting with a strained shoulder, that doesn't really portray it as it is. He felt it was important. We felt at some point we need to disclose this. And, at the same time, he had become comfortable with the disclosure, which is a separate issue unto itself."
Buchholz is at home in suburban Philadelphia and has been prescribed medication, the organization announced. Alderson added that Buchholz has been participating in the employee assistance program.
"Last season with the Rockies, I experienced some depression and anxiety before returning from Tommy John surgery," Buchholz said in a statement. "I thought I had it under control, but recently, at the end of May of this year, the depression and anxiety began to resurface. After consulting with my doctor, I agreed to try different medications and it was recommended that I not pitch while I adjusted to the new medications. I am in regular contact with the Mets and have kept them informed of my progress. I am extremely grateful for the way the Mets have cared for me and my family."
Also, Alderson said that left-hander Johan Santana threw a bullpen session on Wednesday in Port St. Lucie, Fla., with no complaints of soreness. Shoulder discomfort had caused Santana to refrain from throwing off a mound last month. After one more bullpen session without issue, Santana will advance to a spring-training-like program with an eye toward an August return from surgery last Sept. 14 to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder.
First baseman Ike Davis, who is at home in Arizona because of a cartilage damage in his left ankle, will attempt to run next week. If discomfort resurfaces at that point, he likely will proceed with season-ending surgery.
Third baseman David Wright hit off a tee in Port. St Lucie on Friday. Manager Terry Collins plans to speak with Wright on Sunday to map out a precise plan for a return. Collins hopes to have Wright back from a stress fracture in his lower back in two weeks, immediately after the All-Star break.
Adam Rubin covers the Mets for ESPNNewYork.com.