Mets Could Place Ailing Infielder on IL

After Wednesday's game, Polanco's Achilles flared up again, leading the Mets to sit him for today's game.

When asked how long the injury might hinder him, Mendoza said, "It's hard to tell. There are days where he comes in and he feels really good, and he goes out there and does a little bit of defensive work, and there are days where he feels it more. We're watching it closely here and seeing what happens."

Polanco has not started at first base since the second game of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mendoza acknowledged the situation remains "fluid" and that an injured list stint is "a possibility."

The Mets have already lost Juan Soto to a calf strain and placed him on the 15-day IL just a couple days ago. He is not expected back until another two to three weeks.

What It Means for the Mets if Polanco Misses Time

If the Mets place Polanco on the injured list, it would create more playing time for Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Jared Young. However, Baty has filled in for Soto in the outfield since he went down with his injury. That would leave Vientos and Young to split time at first base and designated hitter in Polanco’s absence.

Vientos has looked like his 2024 slugger self early this season. In 27 at-bats, he is hitting .370 with a home run and a .956 OPS.

Meanwhile, Young has been a pleasant surprise for the New York this season. The longtime minor leaguer was the last player to make the 26-man roster.

In 13 at-bats, Young is hitting .385 and has delivered off the bench. That includes a game-tying sacrifice fly late in Game 1 of the Diamondbacks series.

Outside of Young and Vientos, Tyrone Taylor and Ronny Mauricio could see increased opportunities. Taylor figures to remain a pinch-runner and a starter against left-handed pitching. Mauricio has not played since his walk-off hit in his only plate appearance.

The Mets also have Tommy Pham, whom they signed to a minor league contract on Opening Day. He played his first game at High-A St. Lucie today. The Mets could accelerate his ramp-up if Polanco indeed lands on the injured list.

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