Polanco’s Return Shelved by Mets Deliberate Rehab Plan

What's happened

Polanco has been sidelined since mid-April with left Achilles bursitis and a wrist bruise. He has been in rehab in the minors, with plans to rejoin the Mets delayed. The club is monitoring thresholds before activation, while Alvarez has resumed activities and the Mets weigh debuting him from the minors.

What's behind the headline?

Live update analysis

Polanco’s activation hinges on thresholds (four DH at-bats, seven innings on defense) as Mets managers seek to manage the Achilles bursitis rather than rush a return.
Alvarez’s return adds immediate catching/DH depth, with Torrens continuing as a productive backup.
The Mets are balancing injury risk with a season that remains out of playoff contention, implying cautious utilization rather than a quick roster reshaping.
If Polanco returns, the Mets will likely limit his defensive exposure and insert him into a flexible role, while Alvarez’s presence stabilizes the catching situation and adds depth behind the plate.
The broader impact centers on how the Mets manage a shrinking win window and potential roster changes by the trade deadline.

How we got here

Polanco signed a two-year, $40 million deal to replace Pete Alonso at first base, but has posted limited production in 14 games this season. Alvarez is nearing a minor-league rehab assignment, providing an alternative option behind the plate or at DH as the Mets navigate injuries and roster depth.

Our analysis

AP News reports on Polanco’s rehab schedule and the manager’s comments; NY Post covers the team’s broader roster implications and Alvarez’s rehab timeline. AP notes Polanco’s thresholds for activation; NY Post discusses the team’s positioning in the NL East and potential roster changes.

Go deeper

Will Polanco be activated this road trip if thresholds are met?
How will Alvarez’s rehab progress affect the Mets’ catching plans long-term?
What changes could the Mets pursue at the trade deadline if the season stays challenging?