As the Mets’ short-term prospects took a beating Saturday night with Atlanta’s Tim Hudson (above) returning from the DL with a dominating performance at Shea, New York’s future hopes are just a bit less bright tonight with the news that prized pitching prodigy Philip Humber is about to go under the knife. From Newsday’s Jon Heyman :

Humber is expected to visit noted sports surgeon James Andrews after receiving an initial diagnosis from Mets doctors.

Humber (above) has been told there are three possible ways to treat his elbow pain, and Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery is one of them. Humber and doctors might also decide on a less invasive surgery or rest. If Tommy John surgery is ultimately prescribed, Humber would miss at least one year.

Humber, the Mets’ No. 1 draft choice in 2004 and No. 3 pick overall, felt pain in his elbow Monday during his first start since being promoted to Double-A Binghamton. He had started 14 games at Class A St. Lucie this season, posting a 2-6 record with a 4.99 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innnings.<