Winker to Get MRI, IL an Option

Updated Post: July 10 at 3:08 pm

Carlos Mendoza noted Winker will return to New York instead of joining the team in Kansas City for an MRI. Mendoza said that the designated hitter/outfielder might be looking at another IL trip but will know more after the test results.

The team recently placed Starling Marte on the IL with a knee bruise and designated Travis Jankowski for assignment. However, Jeff McNeil has proven he can man all three outfield spots, and the newly returned Luisangel Acuña has spent time at center in his recent stint in Syracuse.

Original Post: July 10 at 1:09 pm

The injury bug just won’t let Jesse Winker go.

Two days after returning from a two-month stint on the injured list with an oblique strain, the Mets outfielder exited Thursday’s game against the Orioles with back tightness, according to Mets officials.

Winker, 31, appeared in just one at-bat before being pulled from the lineup. He popped out in the second inning and appeared to grimace after the swing. Mark Vientos pinch-hit for him during his next scheduled plate appearance.

It marked yet another setback in what has been a stop-and-start season for the veteran slugger.

Before his injury, Winker was slashing a modest .232/.313/.406 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 24 games this season.

Throughout his MLB career, the 31-year-old has played in 750 games, while posting a .261 career batting average with 96 home runs and 334 RBIs.

Winker has dealt with a string of injuries in recent seasons, making it difficult for him to build any sustained momentum.

Each time he appears to be turning a corner, another setback seems to follow. The Mets had hoped his return would provide a spark to their lineup, but instead, he suffered yet another setback.

The stop-and-start nature of his season has only added to the uncertainty surrounding his role and impact moving forward, as the All-Star break approaches.

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