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Jeremy Hefner will return to New York for examination after experiencing elbow soreness.

(John Munson/The Star-Ledger)

PHILADELPHIA -- Jeremy Hefner will return to New York this weekend to be examined after experiencing elbow soreness. The pitcher is trying to return from Tommy John surgery a year ago and had been pitching in minor league games.

Hefner has not been seen by doctors yet, so there is no diagnosis on what is ailing him, Mets assistant GM John Ricco said.

Hefner left a start after experiencing the soreness and has been placed on the minor league disabled list. He had made six starts this season between two levels of the Mets' minor league system.

Hefner had a 4.34 ERA last season in 24 appearances -- 23 of them starts.