What's happened
The New York Mets are grappling with significant injuries as outfielder Jesse Winker and reliever A.J. Minter are set for extended absences. Winker is expected to be placed on the injured list due to a Grade 2 oblique strain, while Minter will undergo surgery for a torn lat muscle next week.
What's behind the headline?
Injury Impact on the Mets
- Jesse Winker: The outfielder's oblique strain will sideline him for 6-8 weeks, impacting the team's offensive depth. His absence will require adjustments in the lineup, potentially leading to increased pressure on other players.
- A.J. Minter: Scheduled for surgery, Minter's loss further depletes the Mets' bullpen, which is already struggling with injuries. This could lead to reliance on less experienced pitchers, affecting game outcomes.
- Brett Baty's Return: Baty's brief stint in Triple-A and subsequent return could provide a much-needed left-handed bat, but his performance has been inconsistent, raising concerns about his readiness to fill Winker’s role.
- Team Dynamics: The combination of these injuries may challenge the Mets' ability to compete effectively in upcoming games, particularly against strong opponents like the Diamondbacks.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, Winker was injured while attempting to throw out a runner, leading to a diagnosis of a Grade 2 oblique strain. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed concern over the nature of oblique injuries, stating, 'those are tricky.' Meanwhile, A.J. Minter's situation is dire, as he will undergo surgery for a torn lat, which Mendoza confirmed after Minter's discomfort during a game. The Post also notes that the Mets are facing a challenging roster situation, with Danny Young opting for Tommy John surgery, further complicating their pitching strategy. AP News highlighted Winker’s transition to left field, emphasizing the risks associated with his limited experience in that position this season.
How we got here
The Mets have been dealing with injuries throughout the season, with Winker recently transitioning from designated hitter to left field. Minter, who was signed to a two-year contract, has also faced health issues, including a previous hip surgery.
Go deeper
- What does Winker’s injury mean for the Mets?
- How will the Mets adjust their lineup?
- What are the implications for the bullpen?
More on these topics
-
Jesse Winker is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball.
-
Carlos Mendoza may refer to:
Carlos Mendoza (outfielder) (born 1974), Venezuelan baseball player
Carlos Mendoza (baseball manager) (born 1979), Venezuelan baseball player and coach
Carlos Mendoza (footballer) (born 1992), Bolivian footballer
Carlos Anton
-
St. Louis is a city in Missouri, on the western bank of the Mississippi River, which forms the state line between Illinois and Missouri. The Missouri River merges with the Mississippi River 15 river miles north of Downtown St. Louis, forming the fourth-lo
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
The New York Mets are a Major League Baseball team based in the New York City borough of Queens. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League East division.