Jorge Polanco, already dealing with left Achilles bursitis that has hindered him since the start of the season, is now battling a second injury. His right wrist started bothering him after Tuesday’s loss to the Dodgers, and the issue was bad enough to keep him out of the lineup Friday in Chicago as the Mets look to avoid losing their ninth straight. That would be their longest losing streak since 2004.
Polanco, signed to a 2-year, $40M contract this offseason, has not been off to a particular strong
start, batting .179/.246/.286 through 61 PA to this point. Nevertheless, the lineup could definitely use his presence. Brett Baty has posted a 30 wRC+ heading into Friday’s action, even worse than Polanco’s own 57, and Mark Vientos has cooled off dramatically from his early season hot streak. Coupled with Juan Soto’s absence, Francisco Lindor likely not playing at 100%, and Bo Bichette continuing to struggle, Polanco’s absence is definitely problematic.
The Mets have reportedly not received MRI results yet and have not made a decision about placing Polanco on the injured list. That might be the prudent move as he deals with simultaneous injuries, but we’ll see how the team’s thinking develops in the coming days.
