Jorge Polanco’s disappointing first Mets season ends with ankle surgery
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Jorge Polanco’s underwhelming first season with the Mets will end in surgery.
The veteran infielder was placed on the injured list Wednesday with left ankle bursitis.
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Before the Mets beat the Padres 4-2 at Citi Field to complete a series victory, interim manager Andy Green indicated Polanco plans to undergo season-ending surgery for the ailment.
Green said Polanco, who arrived on a two-year contract worth $40 million, will likely enter spring training in a baseball progression.
“He’s battled this all year, something he’s had to deal with prior to the season,” Green said. “It’s gotten to the point he just can’t get freedom from the pain. He has gone out there grinding and tried to. He’s wanted to post for this team and it’s at a point now where surgery is actually his best option.”
Polanco, 31, owned a .431 OPS over 37 games this season.
Signed to play first base as Pete Alonso’s replacement, he appeared in only two games at the position.
Polanco’s first IL stint lasted three months (he originally was sidelined by a bone bruise in his wrist, but the persistent ankle issues prolonged his absence).
“He’s been an unbelievable teammate in the clubhouse and I know he’s felt the burden of producing for the team, city and for the fans,” Green said. “I know that has been heavy on him at times and just my observation from seeing him hit and watching him produce, it has affected him mechanically — the ability to load on that back foot the way he typically does. I don’t think he’s wanting to make excuses, so I am not sure he will even say that.”
Austin Warren threw a scoreless seventh inning with two strikeouts in his return from a right forearm strain. Warren had last pitched July 7.
Jared Young finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and has an .887 OPS over his last 35 games.
Utility man Eric Wagaman was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to take Polanco’s roster spot.
The Mets also recalled RHP Chayce McDermott and optioned RHP Jack Weisenburger.