It’s not a secret that the New York Mets have had to remake their roster due to an unprecedented rash of injuries that forced the team to place, at one point a few weeks ago, 17 players on the injured list. That, however, has paved the way for sudden stars such as Billy McKinney to shine with the club.
One of those injured outfielders is Brandon Nimmo. The Mets’ usual leadoff hitter, he has had to see the games from afar with a hand/finger issue he suffered on a swing a few weeks ago, one that he hasn’t been able to shake off.
Mets manager Luis Rojas confirmed yesterday before the game against the San Diego Padres that Nimmo has received “second and third” opinions on his finger injury, and found out that he’s actually dealing with a small ligament tear instead of a nerve issue, as was initially reported.
The Mets’ leadoff hitter still has no firm timetable
Mets’ beat writer Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that the center fielder is expected to resume a rehab assignment at some point next week, but there is, according to SNY, no firm timetable for his return given that he will need to swing the bat with no discomfort and then take several at-bats with the minor league affiliates.
The Mets did say the injury will heal by itself, so surgery won’t be necessary. Nimmo should be back within the next 2-3 weeks as an estimate.
The Mets do miss Nimmo’s on-base prowess at the top of the lineup. Before hitting the injured list, he was hitting .318/.430/.439 with a homer and a 151 weighted Runs Created Plus, or wRC+, in 22 games and 80 plate appearances. He had also stolen two bases.
Nimmo will return to a now-crowded Mets outfield that includes McKinney, Dominic Smith, Kevin Pillar, and depending on their evolution from their own injuries, Michael Conforto and Albert Almora Jr.