Carlos Mendoza Explains Disappointing Mets Decision

Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Carlos Mendoza Explains Disappointing Mets Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jun 25, 2026 9:42 PM ET

New York Mets infielder Marcus Semien has been placed on the injured list after spending several weeks managing a nagging injury, leaving the club without one of their most experienced everyday players.

Manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the move directly. "This is something that he's been battling for weeks now," Mendoza said. The comments confirmed the injury had been lingering over an extended stretch rather than stemming from a single incident.

Semien remained in the lineup and played through the discomfort, including both games of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs, before the Mets officially announced the roster move Thursday.

To fill the roster spot, the Mets recalled infielder Ronny Mauricio from Triple-A Syracuse. Mauricio rejoins the big league roster as New York continues to piece together its infield depth during Semien's absence.

Semien has appeared in 80 games during his first season with the Mets, posting a .214 batting average, .612 OPS, nine home runs and 29 RBIs.

The production has dipped below his career standards, though Mendoza's comments about the lingering injury add important context to those numbers. His discomfort may have played a role in his underperformance all year long. Semien is also entering his late 30s, meaning his decline could also be permanent which would be especially troubling for the Mets.

The Mets acquired Semien in a November 2025 offseason trade with the Texas Rangers. His arrival added one of the more accomplished middle infielders in the league to the roster, a three-time All-Star who played a key role in Texas' 2023 World Series championship run and has been one of the more durable infielders of his generation throughout stops in Oakland, Toronto and Texas.

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (28)Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Mauricio has spent his entire professional career within the Mets organization and has dealt with his share of injury setbacks of his own, including a right ACL tear that cost him the entire 2024 season. He has been getting regular at-bats at Triple-A Syracuse and will look to contribute now that he has been recalled.

The Mets entered Wednesday with a 34-46 record, sitting last in the National League East. Getting Semien back healthy at some point in the second half matters for a team that has underperformed all season, and how quickly he recovers will go a long way toward determining whether New York has any realistic path back into relevance before the year is out.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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