The injury bug has returned to haunt the New York Mets again and their play has suffered because of it. Almost half of the original 40-man roster has spent time on the disabled list this season.
Injury Filled Outfield
Jay Bruce (back spasms) was removed from Friday night’s game and was held out of the lineup Saturday night. Bruce was originally in the lineup but could not get his back loose enough to play a whole game. Bruce did have a pinch-hitting appearance but struck out. He is currently day-to-day, but the injury could linger if he keeps playing through it.
Juan Lagares (torn plantar plate in his left foot) was transferred from the 10-day DL to the 60-day DL on Thursday. Lagares figured to be out for the entire season and this move sealed his fate. This allowed the Mets to open another spot on their 40-man roster.
Thor’s Surprise Injury
Noah Syndergaard (strained ligament in his right index finger) was put on the 10-day DL last week which came to the surprise of many people. He already missed one start and expects to miss his next scheduled start against the Baltimore Orioles. He will likely return next weekend against the New York Yankees and the Mets will need him if they want any chance to shut down the Yankees lineup.
Steven Matz (sprained middle finger) played catch on Thursday and threw a bullpen session Friday. He will make his next start today against the Chicago Cubs. Matz has had an up and down season but he has a 3.55 ERA. One of the big improvements the Mets hope to see is Matz ability to work deeper into the game.
A.J. Ramos (right rotator cuff tightness) was placed on the 10-day DL last week after a disastrous start to his season. He had a 6.41 ERA and was big contributor to the failures of the Mets bullpen. There is no timetable for his return, but is eligible to return in the next couple of days. Ramos will likely be sent back to the 10-day again because he will still need time to recover.
Wilmer Flores (lower back soreness) was also placed on the 10-day DL last week. He had struggled with throwing the ball during the series after the Milwaukee Brewers and the back soreness may have contributed to his problems. He must be examined before he can start baseball activities again but will be out for another week or two at least.
When Will Cespedes Comeback?
Yoenis Cespedes (hip) started a running program and could very soon start a rehab assignment. Cespedes has already missed two weeks and the Mets have desperately needed his bat in the lineup. The rehab assignment should start next weekend and the Mets will be very careful with Cespedes. He has a long history of leg injuries and problems.
Todd Frazier (hamstring) started a rehab assignment with the Las Vegas 51s on Thursday. He hopes to return during this week’s series against the Orioles. This was the first time that he has ever been on the DL and the Mets have missed him at third base. It will be interesting to see if Frazier’s return will be the reason Jose Reyes is DFA’d.
Anthony Swarzak (oblique) is set to start a rehab assignment this week. He is scheduled to pitch Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and it will be the first time he has pitched in two months. Swarzak should be expected to return once his rehab assignment ends and the Mets need him badly. The bullpen has been absolutely dreadful and it showed once again Saturday night against the Cubs.
David Wright (back, shoulder) played catch in the outfield on Thursday which is his first real baseball activity in months. Sandy Alderson expects him to ramp it up in 1-3 weeks which would start his long road back to the big leagues. There is no telling to what he actually has left in the tank but Mets fans would love to see him play before he officially hangs it up.
Travis d’Arnaud and Rafael Montero (Tommy John Surgery) are still held out of baseball activities for the rest of the season. T.J. Rivera (TJS) is also waiting at least another month to start baseball activities.