Injury Concerns for the Mets
SAN FRANCISCO — The Mets might be dealing with a downsize in their active roster, potentially having 24-and-a-half players instead of the usual 26.
Juan Soto underwent some tests on Tuesday to see if his right calf injury would require him to go on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Jorge Polanco is struggling with a strained left ankle. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged this situation on Saturday, noting it would be a concern moving forward.
“Every year, you find yourself in these situations where players are a bit beat up,” Mendoza remarked before the Mets secured a 9-0 victory over the Giants at Oracle Park.
Polanco, who hadn’t found success in his previous at-bat against the Mets, returned as designated hitter on Saturday after resting the night before. This was the second instance in four games where he had to take a break due to left Achilles tendonitis.
Despite the challenges, Mendoza feels at ease managing Polanco’s condition.
“There will be a day when he feels it more,” Mendoza said. “We have a couple of players who are a little limited, but that’s just part of it.”
Brooks Lally has been impressive this season, with four scoreless relief appearances. The left-handed pitcher has played in 34 games since returning from Tommy John surgery last year, maintaining a notable 2.15 ERA. Left-handed hitters are struggling against him, going just 3-for-35, which is quite a feat. Over this time frame, he’s recorded 30 strikeouts while walking only six. The last home run he allowed was back on August 13, 2023, against the Diamondbacks.
On a different note, Marcus Semien, who experienced a bit of a slump going 0-for-20 recently, found his groove again on Friday with three hits, including his first home run as a Met.
“Starting the season is always a challenge, regardless,” Semien explained after going 2-for-3 with an RBI on Saturday. “Typically, the pitcher has the upper hand over the hitter. We put in a lot of effort in the batting cage to feel good when it matters.”
Lastly, Bo Bichette started Saturday’s game looking to shake off a lackluster beginning to his Mets career. After a solid stretch of going 5-for-14 over three games, he excelled further on Saturday, finishing 5-for-5 with two hits and an RBI.
