The New York Mets have been hit very hard by the injury bug in 2019. On the bright side, a couple of key pieces do appear close to returning.
At 28-31, the New York Mets need all the help they can get. Set to open a winnable three-game home set on Tuesday vs. the San Francisco Giants, some help may soon be on the way.
Let’s take a look at the latest regarding the club’s injured players.
Jeff McNeil returns from IL
INF/OF Jeff McNeil (hamstring) was activated from the 10-day IL on Tuesday.
With Robinson Cano (more on him in a moment) still sidelined, McNeil will serve as the starting second baseman for the time being.
In the midst of a breakout year, the 27-year-old will look to pick up right where he left off. In 46 games in 2019, he is slashing .333/.418/.461.
Robinson Cano will not be activated on Tuesday
It was originally hoped that Cano would join McNeil in being activated on Tuesday. Unfortunately, this will not be the case.
Working his way back from a quadriceps injury, the eight-time All-Star needs a little more time. Per a team source, he could be activated as soon as Wednesday.
Brandon Nimmo taking part in baseball activities
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Brandon Nimmo has resumed participating in baseball activities.
Landing on the IL with a neck injury in late-May, he appears to be making progress. A return date is still unclear at this time.
Nimmo said he had been dealing with the issue since mid-April prior to undergoing an MRI. This neck stiffness likely played a role in his underwhelming .200/.344/.323 slash line.
Justin Wilson to throw side-session on Wednesday
LHP Justin Wilson will throw a side session on Wednesday, per Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports.
Wilson has already visited the IL twice this season, this trip due to an elbow issue.
If all goes well, the first-year Met will likely begin a rehab assignment within the next seven days.
Dominic Smith diagnosed with a sprained thumb, will not start Tuesday
An MRI on Monday revealed that Smith suffered a thumb sprain in last weekend’s series vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks.
He is not expected to require a trip to the IL. Tuesday will mark the second straight game that the 23-year-old will sit.
Both he and the club are optimistic that he will be available off the bench on Tuesday.
