Mets Provide Injury Updates: Polanco's Progress Slow, Alvarez Poised for Return

As the New York Mets gear up for a three-game series against the San Diego Padres, manager Carlos Mendoza shared insights regarding the status of several injured players.

Notably absent from the lineup is Jorge Polanco, who was initially expected to rejoin the team for this series. Instead, he remains on a rehab stint with Triple-A Syracuse, where he is currently serving as a designated hitter. "He’s playing right now. He’s DHing in Syracuse," Mendoza noted. "We just felt like he needed to get volume there." Polanco has only played a limited amount of defense in his recent games, prompting the decision to keep him off the field in San Diego. Mendoza expressed optimism about Polanco's recovery, highlighting improvements in his batting technique and overall health since being placed on the injured list.

Meanwhile, Francisco Alvarez is also making strides in his recovery. In his third rehab game with Triple-A, he is aiming to complete seven innings as a catcher after recovering from a meniscus tear. Originally expected to miss six to eight weeks due to his injury, Alvarez's return seems imminent, with Mendoza indicating that he could be back in time for the Mets’ upcoming homestand beginning Tuesday. "The goal, if everything goes well there, is to have him on the next homestand," Mendoza said, suggesting a possible return against the St. Louis Cardinals.

In other injury news, Ronny Mauricio, who is dealing with a fractured thumb, has started running but has not yet resumed batting. Tyrone Taylor is also on the mend, having begun running after recovering from a right hip issue.