Mets Navigate Injuries and Rotation Challenges as Trade Rumors Linger New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco missed Thursday’s game due to a lingering Achilles injury, with manager Carlos Mendoza indicating the team has not ruled out a stint on the injured list. Polanco, acquired to serve as the club’s primary first baseman after Pete Alonso’s trade to the Orioles, has been limited to designated hitter appearances since starting the season at the position. Mendoza told reporters, including Will Sammon of The Athletic, that Polanco’s absence ended a streak of four consecutive starts. The veteran’s injury has prompted the Mets to rely on Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Jared Young to fill in at first base. Vientos has taken over regular work at the cold corner following the Juan Soto injury, which opened up right field opportunities for Baty. The former prospect has thrived in his increased playing time, slashing .323/.353/.484 across 34 plate appearances. Baty, meanwhile, has struggled to capitalize on his chances, but the injuries have allowed the Mets to evaluate both players more extensively. Vientos’ performance has been a bright spot in a lineup that has faced challenges due to the absence of key contributors. Mendoza has expressed no immediate plans to adjust the pitching rotation, despite David Peterson’s recent struggles. The lefty allowed five earned runs in his last two starts, pushing his ERA over 6.00 through 14 2/3 innings. The Diamondbacks capitalized on Peterson’s woes on Wednesday, scoring five runs in the second inning after a quick lead in the first. Peterson’s performance has been a continuation of his second-half decline in 2025, following an All-Star season that saw him post a 7.74 ERA over 10 starts from August onward.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #mark_vientos #jorge_polanco #brett_baty
Jorge Polanco Avoids Injured List as Mets Reassess Achilles Injury Jorge Polanco, the New York Mets’ first baseman, expressed optimism on Friday that he would avoid the injured list despite missing the previous two games due to a left Achilles issue. The 32-year-old player reported improved comfort in his left Achilles, which had plagued him since the start of the season, and confirmed he would not require a stint on the disabled list. The Mets’ medical team conducted an MRI on Thursday, which revealed no structural damage to the tendon, leading to a revised diagnosis of bursitis—a condition involving inflammation around the ligament rather than direct tendon damage. Polanco participated in full batting practice the following day and could return to the starting lineup as early as Saturday. Manager Carlos Mendoza provided reassurance, stating, “The good news is the tendon’s healthy. There’s nothing wrong. … We’ve just got to kind of limit the defensive side, how much pressure he puts there.” The Mets had previously classified Polanco’s issue as Achilles tendinitis, but the updated diagnosis allows for a different treatment approach, including anti-inflammatory medication. Mendoza emphasized that the team now has a clearer understanding of the problem, noting, “We know what we’re dealing with. We know there’s nothing with the tendon in that area there.” Polanco’s injury has significantly impacted his performance this season. After a strong Opening Day, where he went 1-for-3 with two walks, he has struggled at the plate in nine games since, posting a .189/.250/.270 batting line. Mendoza acknowledged the inconsistency in Polanco’s condition, explaining, “There’s days where he comes in and he feels really good that he goes out there and does a little bit of defensive work.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #jorge_polanco #bursitis #mets_medical_team
Mets Struggling with Jorge Polanco's Injury History as Mariners Reflect on Past Decisions The New York Mets are facing challenges as they navigate the injury history of their new acquisition, Jorge Polanco, a former Seattle Mariners player. Polanco, who joined the Mets in 2025, has been dealing with recurring Achilles tendinitis, causing him to miss time in the early part of the season. This issue is not new for the 32-year-old infielder, who had similar problems during his first season with the Mariners in 2024. His injury struggles limited his playing time and affected his performance, despite his strong offensive contributions. Polanco’s 2024 season with the Mariners was marked by inconsistency due to his physical ailments. He posted a 92 OPS+ and a 1.3 rWAR, which were solid numbers for a player who spent much of the year on the injured reserve. However, his ability to play in the field was severely hampered by knee issues, which forced him to hit exclusively left-handed for periods of time. This situation was perplexing, as Polanco is a switch-hitter, and his limited fielding time created a unique challenge for the Mariners’ lineup. Despite these setbacks, Polanco managed to put up impressive numbers in March and April 2024. He hit .384/.418/.808 with nine home runs in just 22 games, showcasing his offensive potential when healthy. However, his performance dipped later in the season, as his injury issues persisted. The Mariners, aware of his fragility, faced a difficult decision when evaluating his free agency in 2025. While the team expressed interest in re-signing him, their concerns about his injury history ultimately influenced their decision. The Mariners’ reluctance to match the Mets’ two-year, $40 million offer for Polanco was a strategic move.#seattle_mariners #new_york_mets #mitch_garver #jorge_polanco #brendan_donovan
Mets' Mark Vientos: Absent from Opening Day Lineup Mark Vientos will not be part of the New York Mets’ Opening Day lineup for Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The decision comes as the team plans to start right-hander Paul Skenes on the mound for the Pirates. In the batting order, first baseman Jorge Polanco and left-handed-hitting designated hitter Brett Baty have been named to the starting lineup. Vientos, a right-handed hitter, is expected to remain on the bench against right-handed pitchers, as the Mets aim to leverage platoon advantages. However, the team has indicated that Vientos may not be a regular option in such scenarios due to his limited effectiveness against right-handed pitching. The absence of Vientos from the Opening Day lineup highlights the Mets’ strategic approach to balancing their roster. While Polanco provides stability at first base, Baty’s left-handed bat adds an element of versatility against right-handed starters. Vientos’ potential role as a platoon bat remains uncertain, with the team likely monitoring his performance during spring training before making long-term decisions. The decision to bench him for the opener underscores the importance of matchups in shaping the initial lineup. Vientos’ absence also reflects the broader context of the Mets’ roster management, as they continue to evaluate player roles and optimize their offensive strategy. The team’s focus on platoon advantages suggests a calculated effort to maximize the strengths of their hitters while mitigating weaknesses. This approach aligns with the competitive nature of Major League Baseball, where small adjustments can have significant impacts on game outcomes.#new_york_mets #paul_skenes #pittsburgh_pirates #mark_vientos #jorge_polanco
