The injury bug is biting the New York Mets, and it’s biting them hard. It wasn’t enough to lose Jacob deGrom last week, but yesterday, right-hander Taijuan Walker had to leave the game with left side soreness after completing just three frames.
Before the game, it was also announced that the Mets would send outfielder Michael Conforto and infielder Jeff McNeil to the injured list with hamstring strains, in what has turned out to be a crazy start of the week.
Mets’ outfielder Kevin Pillar was hospitalized last night after getting hit in the face by a 94 mph fastball. It was a scary scene.
Khalil Lee and Johneshwy Fargas were recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, while right-hander Seth Lugo was transferred to the 60-day IL.
The Mets’ injury issues
Both Conforto and McNeil exited Sunday’s game with strained right and left hamstring, respectively.
Conforto’s injury may have had to do with the fact that the Mets played last weekend at the Tropicana Field, known for its turf.
“He said [the turf] is hard out there,†Mets’ manager Luis Rojas said to MLB.com. “He was playing all the games, moving around, coming from right field to the third-base dugout. But there was nothing specific that was bothering him. I thought he had a good chance to beat out the double play. When he got into gear, that’s when he felt it on the hamstring.â€
Walker, meanwhile, will get an MRI on his ailing left side to determine the extent of the injury and whether or not he will be able to make his next scheduled start. The Mets are hopeful that’s the case, because their rotation is currently decimated by injuries.
“I was able to get though my start last week with it,” Walker said. “But today [it was] just grabbing a little bit and I couldn’t throw my best stuff up there, so there’s really no point of keep going and making it worse.”
The Mets’ outfielder tweeted about an hour after the game. “Thanks to everyone that has reached out!” he said. “Scary moment but I’m doing fine!â€