New York Mets: Brandon Nimmo Begins Rehab Assignment

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

Brandon Nimmo has not played with the Mets since May 20th, but his heart and hustle is on his way back. Nimmo had his first game action for the St. Lucie Mets as he attempts to fully recover from his neck injury which has plagued a majority of his season.

He did exactly what you would expect during his first at-bat by drawing a walk. Nimmo finished the night 1-for-3 with a sharp single up the middle. He will likely need at least a week of action in the minors to get back to the big leagues. The Mets will be extremely careful with Nimmo, especially since he is recovering from a bulging disc in his neck.

Forgotten Man

Nimmo broke out in a big way for the Mets during the 2018 season. He slashed .263/.404/.483 with 17 home runs and 22 hit by pitches. The Mets were counting on another big season from Nimmo to join Michael Conforto and Jeff McNeil in the outfield heading into 2019. He struggled from the start, only hitting. 200 and striking out 48 times in 161 plate appearances before he was put on the Injured List.

As the season drifted on, the emergence of Dom Smith and J.D. Davis as outfield options softened the blow of losing Nimmo. Now with the Mets extremely weak bench and injuries to McNeil, Smith, Robinson Cano the urgency to have Nimmo back is higher.

With the Mets losing three out of four and Cano likely done for the season, Nimmo’s can become a spark plug as the left handed bat they desperately need. Their hot streak has also faded out, after losing three out of their last four. Nimmo’s return will be a shot of energy to the club and his return to his 2018 form is the type of player the Mets need to get themselves into a playoff spot.