The New York Mets’ offense is already missing a few pieces to their puzzle. They may be on the verge of losing another in Wilmer Flores depending on how further tests go.
It was a tough weekend in Milwaukee for the New York Mets. After winning the first of a four-game set, they lost the final three in gut-wrenching fashion before boarding a plane for Atlanta.
What makes things even worse is that Wilmer Flores — who had taken over most of the playing time at third base in Todd Frazier‘s absence — didn’t get on the same flight as everyone else.
Flores started Sunday’s game at third base, but never made it out to the hot corner for the bottom of the fourth inning. Luis Guillorme had to take over before we found out Flores had to exit early because of soreness in his lower back.
While that doesn’t necessarily sound overly serious — even with alarms ringing because of David Wright‘s constant back problems — there’s a chance the Mets will be without their current third baseman for a period of time. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported on the latest with regard to his status.
Wilmer Flores is heading back to New York for tests on his sore back. The Mets are flying a potential replacement — Phillip Evans, it appears — to Atlanta in case Flores needs to go on the DL.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 27, 2018
It makes sense for New York to be cautious here. After all, they will be playing four games during their three-day stay in Atlanta. Finding a pitcher to start the second game of Monday’s doubleheader was a stretch in itself, so it’d be a good idea to not do the same thing elsewhere on the roster.
Flores hasn’t exactly been setting the world on fire at the plate this year. Through 128 plate appearances, he’s slashing just .248/.320/.398 with three home runs and 13 RBI. However, his performance thus far during the month of May was above average, and he was clearly the superior offensive option between him, Jose Reyes, and Guillorme.
We’ll have to sit and wait in order to find out just how long the Mets could be without Flores. If he is out for an extended period of time, the eventual return of Frazier — who is set to begin a rehab assignment this week — will be welcomed with open arms even more than before.
