The snake bitten New York Mets have struggled with injuries once again this year. Even more than ever, they need their key players to return. One of their stars seem content with sitting on the sidelines while their team struggles, instead trying to figure out how to get on the field. It becomes scary when these take more than one page and then you see another team who only has four players injured.
Mejia is Back
Jenrry Mejia (suspension) has conditionally been reinstated from his permanent suspension for the 2019 season. This is not a true injury, but it has kept him off the field since 2015 after he was handed a lifetime suspension. Mejia tested positive for performance enhancing drugs for the third time in his career which warranted the suspension. Mejia has a 3.68 career ERA and could certainly help the Mets in 2019 if he can still compete at a high level.
Jerry Blevins (bereavement list) has been away from the last couple of days due to the passing of his grandmother. Paul Sewald has taken his spot in the bullpen for the time being. We wish the best to Jerry and the rest of the Blevins family.
Jason Vargas (calf) threw a simulated game on Saturday. He already threw one on July 4th and should be heading on a minor league rehab assignment shortly. If everything works out well, he should be expected to return around the All-Star break. Mets fans and the organization hopes he takes his time coming back since his ERA is a sparkling 8.60.
Bruce Slowly Coming Back
Jay Bruce (hip) will resume taking batting during the week. He has been out for the last two weeks due to a strained right hip and has had a disappointing season due to multiple injuries. The Mets are not sure on whether Bruce will need a rehab assignment, but the more time he spends out of the lineup will increase the chances of him being sent on one. There is no clear timetable for his return.
Noah Syndergaard (finger) made a rehab start for the Brooklyn Cyclones on Sunday after throwing a 50 pitch simulated game earlier last week. Syndergaard threw five innings allowing two hits, one run and struck out seven. He topped out at 99 mph during his start and was sitting at 98. Syndergaard will take the injury day-by-day, but his next start could come in a Mets uniform. If the Mets want any chance of getting back in the race they will need him.
Where Is Cespy?
Yoenis Cespedes (hip, quad) resumed baseball activities on Thursday. Cespedes has been a lost man for the last few weeks. No one knows how far or close he is from returning because he does not talk to anybody. He is beginning to show the characteristics that has made him a tradable player over the years. Cespedes has no problem sitting on the sidelines if the team if the team is underperforming. He only wants to push himself if the team is winning. His chronic leg injuries are becoming a big issue and has help him back from winning the MVP he has been focused on winning.
David Wright (back, shoulder) took batting practice on back to back days at the end of June and was more active than he has been. There is a very low chance he returns in 2018, but hopefully he gets through the season without any setbacks. Wright is pushing 36 years old and cannot play everyday anymore, but he could likely produce the same way Todd Frazier is. A .220 average with a .390 slugging is definitely numbers Wright could put up if he is healthy and that is not asking for much.
T.J. Rivera Coming Back?
T.J. Rivera (elbow) began a rehab assignment with the St. Lucie Mets on Thursday. Rivera is finally returning to the field after 10 months of recovery from Tommy John Surgery. He will need a couple weeks to get back in baseball shape but he could return before the month ends. He is a .304 hitter in just over 300 ABs and the Mets could certainly use his bat in the lineup.
A.J. Ramos (shoulder), Juan Lagares (toe), Travis d’Arnaud (elbow) and Rafael Montero (elbow) will continue to be sidelined for the entire 2018 season.