Brandon Nimmo felt more mobile Sunday than the day before when he was sidelined with right intercostal discomfort, but he was left out of the Mets’ starting lineup as a precaution.
The outfielder was scheduled to undergo further testing of his health during his pregame swing after receiving positive results from an initial strength test of his core muscles, Nimmo said.
“I’m a little sore, like I trained a little too much,” Nimmo said before the Mets played the Braves at Citi Field. “But other than that it’s very good.”
Nimmo felt discomfort in his ribcage while swinging Saturday, but remained in the game and ran the bases after issuing a walk and ending his at-bat.
He was then removed as a precaution.
The main concern, Nimmo said, is the possibility of a check swing.
DJ Stewart started in left field and batted first in Nimmo’s place in the final game of the series.
Nimmo said he told Carlos Mendoza on Saturday that he wanted to evaluate his situation before Sunday’s game with a view to potentially joining the lineup, but the coach wouldn’t listen.
“He was like, ‘No, it’s already May and we need you,'” Nimmo said. “I respect that and I really appreciate the words from your manager. But that’s the way it’s supposed to be. I’m supposed to want to play… [Max] Scherzer used to say, “I’d rather tame a lion than push a donkey,” and that’s the way it should be. ”
Shintaro Fujinami is sidelined with Triple-A Syracuse due to a shoulder problem.
The right-handed relief pitcher appeared in nine games for Syracuse this season, posting a 14.09 ERA.
Fujinami joined the team in the winter on a one-year contract worth $3.35 million and last pitched on May 3.
Drew Smith is being considered for return from the disabled list after playing his second rehab game at Syracuse on Saturday.
The right-handed pitcher has spent the past three weeks rehabbing from right shoulder pain.
“Everything is moving in the right direction,” Mendoza said.
Max Kranik was placed on waivers and permanently committed to Syracuse. His right-hand man was named on Monday.
The Mets entered the game with a 2.80 ERA at home, ranking first in the National League and third in MLB.
