Mets Shut Down Jorge Polanco's Rehab Assignment

The 32-year-old has been sidelined with Achilles bursitis since April, and has also been nursing a wrist injury while on the IL. Polanco signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets in the offseason and was considered one of the main replacements for Pete Alonso at first base, despite hardly ever playing the position during his 13-year MLB career.

Instead of being the Mets' everyday first baseman, Polanco has only managed to suit up in 14 games this season: two at first base and 12 as the team's designated hitter. Last week, Polanco advised reporters that he was in "no rush" to get back to the lineup unless he was at full health. The team was clearly in agreement, as it appears Polanco's anticipated return date in June is now in serious jeopardy.

In those 14 games, Polanco had little impact on the team, especially as a DH. He posted a slash line of .179/.246/.286 with a single home run and a pair of RBI in 61 plate appearances. Injuries are nothing new to the veteran, who has missed considerable chunks of time throughout his career for recurring back and knee issues. Polanco has played in 150 games or more just twice in 13 seasons.

In the meantime, the Mets will continue rolling out a combination of Mark Vientos and Jared Young at first base as the team tries to claw their way out of the National League basement. The Mets are currently on a West Coast swing that has them facing off against the San Diego Padres before returning home to face the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field next Tuesday.