Polanco’s Injuries Worry Mets as Team Faces Cubs

CHICAGO — Jorge Polanco’s ankle seemed to feel a bit better on Friday, yet the Mets are now dealing with a new issue concerning the veteran player.

Polanco is experiencing soreness in his right wrist, prompting him to undergo an MRI. The results are still under review, and the Mets faced a tough loss against the Cubs, 12-4, at Wrigley Field.

This marks Polanco’s second game missed in a row. He also didn’t play on Wednesday due to Achilles bursitis in his right ankle, a condition that’s been troubling him for almost three weeks now.

“We’re just waiting to get some clarity on his wrist,” noted coach Carlos Mendoza, who hinted that Polanco might end up on the injured reserve list.

Without Polanco, Mendoza matched Tyron Taylor, a right-handed hitter, against right-hander Edward Cabrera. Meanwhile, two left-handed hitters, Juan Soto and Jared Young, are currently on the disabled list.

“He really lacks balance, especially from the left side,” Mendoza remarked.

If Polanco is indeed placed on the IL, the team might look to call up Ronnie Mauricio from Triple-A Syracuse, as he can hit from both sides.

Mendoza made some positive adjustments to the lineup, promoting Carson Benge to the leadoff spot while moving Francisco Lindor to third. Benge managed a single, finishing 1-for-4, and Lindor had a solid day with 2 hits over 4 at-bats, including a double.

“We’re missing several left-handed hitters, so the goal is to space them out,” Mendoza explained. “Benji’s recent at-bats have impressed me, and I thought creating some traffic for Francisco could be beneficial.”

Meanwhile, Soto was aiming for an extra at-bat Friday at Citi Field to push his rehab forward, running at a high intensity while recovering from a right calf strain.

Mendoza stated it remains uncertain whether Soto will need another MRI before his return. The expectation is for him to rejoin the lineup during the next homestand.

On another note, MJ Melendez had a good day with two hits during his second consecutive start, reaching base three times.

Kodai Senga had a rough outing, lasting just 3¹/₃ innings while throwing only 65 pitches—his second fewest as a starting pitcher. He had previously thrown 59 pitches in a start on July 21, 2023, against Boston, also going 3 1/3 innings.