MILWAUKEE — Jorge Polanco Aims to Be the Mets’ Starting First Baseman

Jorge Polanco is still aiming to secure the role of the Mets’ regular first baseman. Before Wednesday’s narrow 4-3 loss to the Brewers, he mentioned plans to start taking ground balls next week, intending to gear up for fielding practice.

So far this season, he’s mostly been playing as a designated hitter. Unfortunately, some ankle issues have held him back, limiting his appearance on the field.

Polanco admitted he hasn’t focused on first base in recent weeks. This setback came while he was rehabbing in the minors, where he was only able to hit.

Having joined the Mets on a two-year, $40 million contract, he was expected to be the starting first baseman, but he has only played two games there.

Despite this limited experience, Polanco feels confident about returning to the position. “I feel better than when I started taking ground balls at first base back in spring training. I just want to stay positive and believe that once I come back, I’ll just need to work hard and everything will turn out fine,” he said.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto took a day off to manage fatigue after his recent busy schedule, including competing in the All-Star Game. Interim manager Andy Green noted that Soto also felt some discomfort in his calf during his first game post-break.

“It’s not completely healed yet, but it’s not preventing him from playing,” Green reassured. “He’ll be back with us shortly.”

In the meantime, Polanco took the spot as designated hitter, joined by Carson Benge, AJ Ewing, and Brett Batty in the outfield. Coach Green indicated that Luis Robert Jr. wasn’t available for consecutive outfield games yet, as he comes back from the disabled list.

In other news, Clay Holmes is slated to pitch three innings in a minor league rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse, his first game since being placed on the disabled list in May due to a fractured right fibula. He had thrown 45 pitches in a simulated game just the previous Saturday.

Ewing has been performing well, with two hits in four at-bats during the recent game and getting hits in 11 of his last 14 games. His batting average during that span is impressive at .317, accompanied by three home runs and six RBIs.

On a less bright note, the Mets find themselves struggling a bit this season, holding a record of 7-18 against teams from the National League Central Division.