The New York Mets had a new addition to their list of injuries last week. Their list seems to grow by one each week and makes you wonder why the medical staff can keep their players on the field. With their playoff hopes out of reach, the injuries do give other players a chance to show if they can be part of the 2019 team.
Swarzak Back to the DL
Anthony Swarzak (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day DL on August 5th. Swarzak had shoulder injuries in past seasons but there is the first time his shoulder has bothered him this season. This is his second stint on the DL this season and was pitching better in the last few games before his injury. There is no timetable for his return and Robert Gsellman will likely take over the closer role now.
Steven Matz (arm) threw a bullpen session on Monday and the Mets will decide on the next step after seeing how his arm feels. Matz landed on the DL last week with a flexor pronator strain in his left arm. He could return as early as this upcoming weekend and Corey Oswalt will continue to pitch in his spot until he returns.
Phillip Evans (leg) was placed on the 10-day DL with a non-displaced fracture in his left tibia. He suffered the injury on a takeout slide during the series against the Washington Nationals. It will not be a major injury, but there is no official timetable for his return.
Cespedes Gets the First Surgery
Yoenis Cespedes (heel) underwent the first of his two heel surgeries on August 2nd. Cespedes will miss 8-10 months and the beginning of the 2019 season.
David Wright (back/shoulder) is “starting to come up against the clock†according to interim GM John Ricco. He has been working out, but there has been no timetable for a minor league rehab assignment. Wright has not played in an MLB game in over a year and coming up on a year since his last minor league game action. At 35-years old and having a long break from baseball, he will need a while to get up to speed.