Injuries Challenge Mets’ Lineup Decisions
PHILADELPHIA — The Mets faced a setback with one of their offseason signings, as Juan Soto was moved to the designated hitter spot due to calf discomfort. This precautionary measure kept him from playing in the outfield for two games.
Meanwhile, team officials are also grappling with how to keep Jorge Polanco in the lineup. Upon his return from the injured list, Polanco will only be able to serve as a designated hitter, and it’s unlikely he’ll be considered for first base until next month.
Soto exited Thursday’s game reporting calf issues, and the Mets decided against putting him in left field over the weekend. “We want to ensure that this isn’t an ongoing problem for him as the season winds down,” said interim manager Andy Green before the Mets secured a 6-1 victory against the Phillies. “Getting Polanco back in the game today is important, but it’s mostly about managing Soto’s situation.”
Since returning from the IL, Polanco has struggled, hitting only 3-for-21, which calculates to a batting average of .143 across six games.
Looking ahead, Green mentioned that Luis Robert Jr. is expected to rejoin the Mets during their upcoming series. He’s been recovering from a herniated disc in his back for the past two and a half months and is set to come off the 60-day injured list.
Additionally, Clay Holmes is slated to make a minor league rehab appearance later this week. He recently threw 45 pitches in a simulated game after rain disrupted his planned start for rehab in Single-A Brooklyn. Holmes has been working his way back from a fractured right fibula.
Interestingly, this series win marked the Mets’ first triumph at Citizens Bank Park since August 2022, when they won three out of four against the Phillies. They also secured their first road series victory since early June, overcoming previous challenges.
In a notable performance, AJ Minter gave up a home run to Alec Bohm in the seventh inning, adding to his struggles; this was the second time he allowed runs in his last three outings. While Minter hadn’t surrendered a homer in 14 consecutive games at the start of the season, he has now seen three homers in his last six appearances.
