The New York Mets have been trying to get Jorge Polanco back on the field, but now he has a wrist problem, too.
The New York Mets badly need a first baseman, but the player they signed to man the position can’t stay on the field so far this season. The Mets didn’t exactly get bad news about Jorge Polanco, but now he’s dealing with a right wrist injury to go with the ankle issues that have hobbled the infielder so far.
Polanco’s latest injury emerged after Tuesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, when Polanco went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. The Mets didn’t have the results of Polanco’s latest MRI before yesterday’s afternoon game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, but according to Jackson Stone of MLB.com, his wrist hadn’t improved and Polanco was held out of the lineup.
“Wednesday he came in and didn’t think much of it, but just didn’t get better,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “So we sent him for an MRI yesterday on the off-day here in Chicago, and we’re still waiting. We got multiple people taking a look at him. The [Achilles] is in a better place, but now he’s dealing with a right wrist that is keeping him from at least the lineup today.”
The Mets signed Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract to replace departed first baseman Pete Alonso and provide better infield defense, but the first month of this move is starting to look like a washout. Polanco wasn’t expected to replace Alonso’s offense, but his slash line of .179/.246/.286 in his first 14 games is yet another significant reason why the Mets are struggling to score runs.
The decision now is between rest and a stint on the IL, and the Mets want to make sure they make the right move.
“Before we make that final decision [for the IL], we want to make sure we know what we’re dealing with, especially with the wrist now,” Mendoza said. “But yes, it’s getting to a point now where it’s best for him and the team to let it come down and get him right. We thought he was trending in the right direction with the foot, which he is, but now this came up.”
Mendoza also explained that Polanco’s injury status was part of a tweaked lineup yesterday, as the Mets moved rookie outfielder Carson Benge into the leadoff spot. The Mets did get 14 hits, but they scored just three runs, so the results were a mixed bag.
“[Polanco’s injury] is part of why we see a different lineup today,” Mendoza said. “And you don’t have that balance, especially from the left side, talking about a switch-hitter with Jorge. Juan from the left side. JY [Jared Young] from the left side. Who you’re facing, how their bullpen is constructed, not trying to give them easy lanes but at the same time trying to get to their starters -- we still got good players here.”