New York Mets Face Another Blow With Injured Slugger

New York Mets logo (Image Credits: Imagn)

New York Mets Face Another Blow With Injured Slugger

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Apr 30, 2026 11:00 AM ET

The New York Mets are going through a full-blown crisis after the opening month of the 2026 season. Almost their entire lineup is struggling badly at the plate, while the performance of the pitching staff has also been quite mediocre thus far. Moreover, the Mets are facing several injury issues as well.

On Wednesday, New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza excluded Luis Robert Jr. from the lineup for their game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. The 28-year-old center fielder sat out for a third consecutive game due to lower back tightness. He is not responding well to the treatment, so the Mets are mulling over a potential IL stint for Robert Jr.

“Didn’t improve much after treatment yesterday, so he’s getting an MRI right now to see what we’re dealing with,” Mendoza said. “We’ve got to wait and see what the MRI says and what’s the plan of attack, if we need to put him on the IL or continue to be day-to-day. But, that’s why we’re taking a look at it.”

Luis Robert Jr. (back) "didn't improve much" overnight, per Carlos Mendoza. He's receiving an MRI today. The injured list is in play for him.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 29, 2026

Robert Jr. enjoyed a hot start to the season upon joining the Mets on a trade deal during the offseason. However, his offensive production dwindled considerably over the past couple of weeks. He is batting 5-38 over his last 10 games.

Mets Skipper Discusses Backup Options For Luis Robert Jr.

If Luis Robert Jr. lands on the IL, the New York Mets already have replacements on their roster for the center fielder in the form of Tyrone Taylor and the rookie Carson Benge. Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza is quite happy to have the backup options on hand.

Carlos Mendoza (Image Credits: Imagn)

“I feel comfortable with any of them playing center field,” Mendoza said. “Tyrone, we’ve seen over the years; he’s elite there. The way Carson’s been playing everywhere, and not only that, he’s comfortable moving around as well. Left field, some of the plays he’s made, right field, center.”

The Mets already have Jorge Polanco and Francisco Lindor on the sidelines , while Juan Soto also spent a couple of weeks on the IL this season. At present, they have the worst record in the MLB after a 14-2 hammering at the hands of the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.

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

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