Kansas City, Mo. — Jesse Turnicker’s hips will undergo treatment for five to seven days before the Mets reevaluate their veteran designated hitter.
The team placed him on the injured list on Friday due to back inflammation, just a day after he was taken out during the first game against the Orioles due to discomfort.
Turnicker had just returned from a two-month hiatus on Tuesday, a period spent recovering from a nervous diagonal issue.
Manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned that there’s no indication this new injury is related to the previous one.
“That was my first question too,” Mendoza said prior to the Mets’ 8-3 win over the Royals at Kaufman Stadium. “I talked to the trainers, and he seemed really strong moving at an angle. This is just something that came up, but it doesn’t seem connected.”
The Mets have summoned Jared Young from Triple-A Syracuse, adding another left-handed option to the lineup.
Mark Vientos, who played a pivotal role with a three-run double in Friday’s game, is set to start as the designated hitter, demonstrating how Mendoza has faith in him, even against right-hander Michael Wacha.
Mendoza noted that the matchup against Wacha influenced this decision.
Vientos is also expected to take the same role on Saturday as Michael Lorenzen gets the start for the Royals.
Sean Manaea will make his first appearance this season for the Mets in a relief role on Sunday.
This left-hander has been granted the final start before the All-Star break to avoid a lengthy 15-day gap without action.
“We’re just trying to keep Clay in his usual rhythm,” Mendoza remarked about this choice, mentioning both he and Manaea are accustomed to working from the bullpen. “Whatever works best for the team; we’re keeping it simple.”
According to Mendoza, Sterling Marte underwent an MRI on his right knee and received positive news.
The veteran outfielder had been placed on the injured list due to ongoing knee discomfort.
The Mets are looking to limit Marte’s running but are hopeful he can begin some light baseball activities soon.
The team is optimistic about Marte’s return shortly after the All-Star break.
Reliever Rico Garcia has been designated for assignment, with the Mets opting for right-hander Justin Hagenmann from Syracuse. Austin Warren, who was the 27th player in Thursday’s doubleheader, has been recalled and activated following a stint on the injured list.
