It would have been silly for New York Mets fans to assume that the team would stay healthy throughout the entirety of the 2018 season. But maybe they didn’t expect for the injuries to start piling up so soon.
On the first day of March, just two weeks after the start of spring training, the Mets are contending with the absences of some big names, though nothing seems too serious at the moment.
The two names that jump out on New York’s injury report is Yoenis Cespedes, the team’s most valuable bat, and starting pitcher Jacob deGrom.
Cespedes, who was nagged by hamstring injuries last season, reworked his fitness program to include more stretching and left lifting in order to stay as healthy as possible. While the hamstring isn’t providing any issues, his shoulder is. However, it is just soreness and he is available to DH for Thursday’s game against the Miami Marlins.
On Wednesday, deGrom gave an update about the lower-back stiffness that he’s been experiencing. While he wants to make it back for Opening Day or opening week, his status for the beginning of the regular season is unknown as of right now.
He has begun throwing, with his next step being a bullpen session.
Another Met plagued by injuries for most of his career, center fielder Juan Lagares, is contending with a strained left hamstring that will keep him out of the lineup on a day-to-day basis.
His fellow outfielder, Jay Bruce, has been dealing with plantar fasciitis but looks to be a full go after suiting up on Tuesday. He’ll be in the lineup on Thursday afternoon as well.
The same can’t be said for young first baseman Dominic Smith, who has a lot to prove this spring. After an underwhelming six-week MLB debut last year, Smith saw the Mets sign veteran Adrian Gonzalez where he will likely get the starting job come Opening Day.
Unfortunately for Smith, he’s been sidelined with a strained right quad. Both he and the Mets are being cautious in his recovery, taking as much time needed to ensure the full health of the leg.
There also isn’t a timetable for a return for new reliever Anthony Swarzak, who strained his calf covering first base during an outing on Tuesday. An MRI on Thursday revealed the extent of the injury as he’ll just be receiving treatment on Thursday instead of partaking in any baseball activities.
