The New York Mets roster is riddled with injuries, but they somehow keep finding ways to win games. Jacob deGrom and Pete Alonso came back during the road trip; who else is close to joining them back on the big league roster?
Luis Guillorme picked up his second hit on his rehab assignment earlier today for the @SyracuseMets: pic.twitter.com/0H8lrnAoSL
— Jacob Resnick (@Jacob_Resnick) June 6, 2021
Luis Guillorme is probably the next Met to return from the IL after over two months on the sidelines with a strained oblique. While Jonathan Villar and Jose Peraza have been serviceable with the bat, Guillorme’s return brings elite defense back to the infield. Guillorme was a modest 6-for-18 before his injury and should get plenty of playing time when he returns.
Hand Issues
J.D. Davis has quickly become a forgotten man thanks to his sprained middle finger on his left hand. He is still wearing a split and is not close to restarting his rehab. Davis has been out since May 1 and was one of the most productive Mets hitters before the injury. He was hitting .390 with two home runs and seven RBIs, and there is still no timetable for his return.
Brandon Nimmo is also dealing with a hand issue, but his is a bone bruise on his finger. Nimmo has begun to swing lightly but is not close to game action. He could not hit off a tee or take soft toss because of the bruised finger, which still leaves his return to action as an unknown.
Albert Almora Jr. is nearing a rehab assignment as he works back from a shoulder contusion he suffered when running into the Citi Field wall on May 11. Even when healthy, Almora’s days could be numbered if they feel Billy McKinney is worth holding on to over him.
Hamstring Injuries
Michael Conforto took batting practice on Saturday, which is a very encouraging sign after his hamstring injury on May 16. His timetable to return is still closer to the end of June, and the Mets would be glad to welcome back his bat. Conforto was hitting just .230 but had a .356 on-base percentage before landing on the IL.
Jeff McNeil is also dealing with a strained hamstring and could begin a rehab assignment this week. McNeil batted just .242 before his injury, but his versatility to play different positions will be needed once he is healthy again.
Tommy Hunter is dealing with a back issue and still has no timetable for his return. He was a key member of the bullpen for a short time when he was healthy. Hunter pitched eight shutout innings over four games, working as an opener once.
Johneshwy Fargas is “feeling better” but still has not done much rehab for his shoulder injury. Fargas is another player who could be without a roster spot once he is healthy.
See You Soon?
Noah Syndergaard has been shut down for six weeks, which means he will not pick up a baseball again until July. Syndergaard had inflammation in his right elbow after making a couple of rehab outings. The news is devastating for a pitching start that is always missing multiple key arms.
Carlos Carrasco is one of those critical arms the Mets are missing and is quickly becoming the pitching version of Jed Lowrie. A combination of elbow soreness and hamstring issues have significantly slowed down his rehab assignment. Carrasco was pitching 4-5 innings a month ago, and then his injuries forced the Mets to shut him down. At this point, we may see Syndergaard return to the Citi Field mound before Carrasco makes his debut.