New York Mets: Jed Lowrie is not ready for spring games just yet

New York Mets, Jed Lowrie
Sep 7, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pinch hitter Jed Lowrie (4) reacts after striking out with two men on base against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets‘ injury room, although not filled with long-term cases, has a couple of high-profile names. It was reported in the last few hours that second baseman Robinson Cano wouldn’t be ready to play in spring training games until late February or early March. Yoenis Cespedes is also limited at the moment while recovering from heel and ankle surgeries.

Another one that isn’t quite ready to see the field yet is Jed Lowrie. The infielder set up the alarms when he showed up to camp with a large knee brace a few days ago. According to Anthony DiComo, he is still getting used to play with it.

Manager Luis Rojas said he wasn’t ready to see game action yet, although he didn’t indicate a long-term absence.

“It’s a matter for him and the performance staff to feel comfortable translating that into games,” Rojas said.

“Right now he’s working with the brace, and he feels like himself,” he skipper said of Lowrie, who missed nearly all of last season due to a variety of injuries, including one to his left knee (the one with the brace). “It’s something that we’re looking at closely. … He’s got to keep on doing the things that are going to progress him into the games.”

The Mets want him to improve

The second and third baseman, who signed with the New York Mets before the 2019 season after having a 5.0 fWAR year with the Oakland Athletics in 2018, only played nine games. The 35-year-old is trying to change his luck when it comes to injuries.

In those nine games, Lowrie accumulated eight plate appearances and no hits. He did walk one time, but that was it. The 2019 season was a lost one because of injuries.

In 1,118 games and 4,500 career plate appearances, Lowrie accumulates a .261/.335/.413 line with .326 wOBa and a 106 wRC+. He has 104 home runs and 509 RBI.