Add another prominent name to the growing Mets’ injured list.
Luis Robert Jr. (lumbar spine disc herniation) received an epidural Thursday and was placed on the 10-day shelf retroactive to April 27, the team announced before to a matinee against the Nationals. He will join Kodai Senga, Francisco Lindor and Jorge Polanco and others on the injured list that also included Juan Soto until recently.
“He’s going to be down seven to 10 days and then we’ll have to reassess,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “They are telling us it should be a short stint on the IL.”
Robert Jr. was plagued by lower-body injuries throughout his six-year career with the White Sox and limited to 100 and 110 games over the last two seasons, respectively. He was hitting .224 with a .656 OPS and two home runs (including a walk-off on March 28) over his first 24 games since being traded to the Mets, who tried to take every safeguard against another injury.
Robert Jr. had an MRI performed Wednesday after his back didn’t respond to treatment when the hope was that he was day-to-day in recovery.
“It’s frustrating for us, and he’s super frustrated,” Mendoza said. “He’s done everything we’re asking him to do. We’re trying to protect him. We give him off days. The ramp-up all the way from spring training. But we have to get him back right.”
The Mets started rookie Carson Benge in center field Thursday for the second time in the last three days. He and last year’s starter, light-hitting slick fielder Tyrone Taylor, will split the time until Robert Jr. returns, Mendoza said.
Corner infielder Eric Wagaman was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to fill Robert Jr.’s roster spot.
“That righty bat the bench, he’s done it before,” Mendoza said. “Knows how to prepare. He’s going to get opportunities.”
The Mets also called up right-handed pitcher Austin Warren and designated pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. for assignment.
Soto was the designated hitter again Thursday for the eighth time in as many games since coming off of the IL. But he is “close” to resuming full-time duty and Mendoza “wouldn’t be surprised if he is playing in the outfield” during the weekend series in Anaheim.
