Luis Robert Jr.’s Rehab Update
Luis Robert Jr. was set to play in a minor league rehab game against Double-A Binghamton on Tuesday. However, interim manager Andy Green mentioned at Citi Field that Robert would just “work out” on Wednesday, with hopes of playing later at Binghamton.
With the team struggling with injuries to key players all season, it’s become nearly impossible to predict when any player might return to the major league roster.
Following a tough 16-12 loss to the Royals, Robert expressed through an interpreter that he felt “very good” and that the team wanted to minimize any risks of setbacks.
“I still don’t know how close I am to returning to the Mets,” Robert shared.
He has participated in three rehab games with Triple-A Syracuse after being sidelined since April due to a herniated disc in his lower back.
“It’s tough being on the sidelines; I’ve faced this many times throughout my career,” Robert said, reflecting on the injuries that have plagued him the past two seasons while with the White Sox. “It’s frustrating because I haven’t missed this much time since 2021.”
With rookies AJ Ewing and Carson Benge performing well in center and right field, and Juan Soto solidly established in left, Green was asked how Robert’s potential return might shift the outfield dynamics.
“When we get to that point, we’ll cross that bridge,” Green said regarding Robert’s reintegration into the lineup. He added that they would aim to create the best matchups while encouraging AJ and Carson to continue their development as players and contribute to the team’s success. “They’ve done remarkably well.”
Ewing managed to reach base five times through four hits on Tuesday, while Benge also had a solid game.
“I feel comfortable in the box right now,” Ewing noted about his current form.
The Mets got a surprising three-run advantage in the first inning when Benge executed a Little League home run after a ground ball that pitcher Seth Lugo misplayed. Lugo’s throw missed first baseman Jack Carianone and then another errant throw led to third baseman Nick Loftin also misfiring. Benge, Ewing, and Bo Bichette all scored as a result. Green remarked that he had never seen so many “ping-pong throws back and forth” in one play.
As Jorge Polanco is set to return from the 60-day injured list, Ronnie Mauricio will now head to Triple-A Syracuse, opening a spot on the 26-man roster. Mauricio’s performance in the majors has not been notable this season, as he has managed a .440 OPS in just 17 games. Right-hander Alex Carrillo was designated to fill the space on Polanco’s 40-man roster.
Carrillo, who is 29, made 21 appearances for Syracuse this season and last pitched for the Mets last year.
Additionally, right-hander Guilo Zuniga was designated in a recent trade, which also involved right-hander Matt Seelinger being called up to the major league roster by Detroit.
Green also mentioned that Marcus Semien, who is recuperating from a left hip flexor tear, was running at 80 percent on Monday.
The second baseman acknowledged, “We’re making good progress, but that doesn’t mean we’re ready.” No timeline for his return has been established yet. In Semien’s absence, Brett Batty has taken on the role of starting second baseman for the tenth consecutive game.
Although Batty was called up in September 2023 and made his MLB debut, he missed the entire subsequent season due to a torn ACL, which hindered his chances of solidifying a roster spot.
