New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway described it as a possibility that Brandon Nimmo will rejoin the team Sunday.
The New York Mets enter the final month of the season on the outskirts of the Wild Card race. Entering Saturday, the team is sitting five games out of a playoff spot, thanks in part to a six-game losing streak that the team broke Friday night.
It’s going to be an uphill fight for the team to make the playoffs, but they will be getting a boost soon. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo should return soon from a neck injury that has kept him out since May, with manager Mickey Callaway describing it as a “possibility” he will join the team Sunday when rosters expand.
Brandon Nimmo is a possibility for tomorrow, says Mickey Callaway. Rosters can expand.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) August 31, 2019
Nimmo has struggled this season, slashing .200/.344/.323 after a breakout 2018 where he hit .263/.404/.483 with 17 home runs and 47 RBIs, hitting mostly in the leadoff spot. However, there are reasons for optimism, as it’s safe to assume the neck was affecting his swing.
Another reason for optimism is that he has actually managed to increase his walk rate this season, drawing a walk in 16.1% of his plate appearances, after doing it only 15% of the time last season. His approach at the plate hasn’t changed this season, he’s just struggled to make solid contact.
Struggling to hit the ball hard is certainly cause for concern, but when it’s coupled with a neck injury it can be explained. Nimmo didn’t suddenly become a significantly worse hitter, he simply had to get his neck healthy.
Nimmo’s return gives Callaway options. While Todd Frazier could be a prime candidate to lose time as Jeff McNeil figures to see more time at third base, Juan Lagares could suffer as well, as the team will likely want Nimmo, Michael Conforto, and J.D. Davis playing every day.
The team will certainly be hoping to use Nimmo to make a push towards a playoff spot.
