Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets right fielder Mike Tauchman (50) returns to the dugout against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

What Mike Tauchman's Injury Means For Mets

Originally posted on New York Mets on SI | By Pat Ragazzo | Last updated Mar 21, 2026 4:03 PM ET

Talk about poor timing.

With Opening Day just five days away, outfielder Mike Tauchman exited the New York Mets' Grapefruit League game on Saturday due to injury.

The Mets are calling it left knee soreness for now, per manager Carlos Mendoza. But Tauchman was seen hobbling in between innings.

Mike Tauchman is experiencing some discomfort as he plays right field today pic.twitter.com/UvMCMHaLJa
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 21, 2026

Mike Tauchman attempted to run out to right field to assume his position but came up limping

He has exited the game pic.twitter.com/gAZrdqFjvQ
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 21, 2026

Tauchman was pushing for a roster spot in the outfield and/or on the bench. He was also battling top prospect Carson Benge for the starting right field job.

Although Benge has outperformed Tauchman in camp, Tauchman still had a solid spring training. The 35-year-old slashed .241/.371/.448 with a .819 OPS, one home run and six RBI in 13 games.

The Mets signed Tauchman to a minor league deal back in February. He has an opt-out in his contract on March 25.

What it Means

With Tauchman's injury, you can all but lock in Benge as the starting right fielder come Opening Day.

Benge has slashed .368/.442/.447 with a .889 OPS and five RBI in 13 Grapefruit League games. The 23-year-old also homered in an exhibition game against Team Israel.

Even without the injury to Tauchman, Benge earned the right field job in camp. This will likely be the case as of March 26.

Beyond Benge, the Mets could now choose to carry a true backup shortstop in Vidal Brujan on the roster. Brujan has hit .273/.400/.273 with a .673 OPS in 14 games this spring.

If they decide against giving a spot to Brujan, newcomer MJ Melendez could emerge as a backup outfielder and bench piece.

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This article first appeared on New York Mets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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