Mets’ injury issues deepen as starting outfielder heads to the IL

new york mets, brandon nimmo
Jun 18, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; New York Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) reacts following his two-run single in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets are currently short-handed and heavily affected by injuries both on offense and pitching. Brandon Nimmo, the team starting center fielder and leadoff hitter, couldn’t recover from a finger issue and was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday.

Nimmo injured his left hand during an at-bat against Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, and while he made an appearance as a defensive substitution on Sunday, he hasn’t been able to play since.

He is joining fellow hitter JD Davis and pitcher Carlos Carrasco on the injured list. The Mets also had a couple of scares with Marcus Stroman (hamstring) and Jacob deGrom (right lat) but neither problem appears to be long-term.

As for Nimmo, the injured list placement is retroactive to May 3, so he won’t be eligible to return to the Mets before May 13.

The Mets’ outfielder felt his hand ‘exploding’

The dynamic outfielder said to the Mets’ official site that he felt that his hand “exploded” after fouling off a Wheeler fastball. Tests revealed only a left index finger bruise, but Nimmo hasn’t felt quite right since.

“I don’t think it’s going to be long-term,” Nimmo said that afternoon. “I think when we look back on this in the scheme of the season, it’s going to be a little blip. But obviously, I hate to miss any games, and it’s very, very frustrating for me because I try to prepare for these things.”

“He just still feels it,” manager Luis Rojas told MLB.com. “He’s not able to hit … so the usage is just limited.”

Nimmo was mired in a 1-for-17 slump before getting hurt, but he had been having a productive season overall. The Mets’ leadoff hitter is hitting .323 with seven runs scored, a home run, eight RBI, a couple of stolen bases and a .882 OPS.