Mets' Jorge Polanco dealing with Achilles issue

First baseman sidelined with injury early in season

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player at first base, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the Mets and Cardinals uniforms. The image captures the dynamic motion and energy of the sport in a cubist style.A cubist interpretation of a Mets player at first base, highlighting the challenges of an early-season injury.NYC Today

New York Mets first baseman Jorge Polanco is currently dealing with an Achilles issue that flared up during the team's season-opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Manager Carlos Mendoza revealed the injury prior to Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, stating the team will have to proceed with caution, especially this early in the season.

Why it matters

Polanco's Achilles injury is a concern for the Mets, as the veteran switch-hitter was signed in the offseason to play first base despite limited experience at the position. The team will need to manage his recovery carefully to ensure he can contribute effectively once healthy.

The details

Polanco was penciled into the starting lineup as the designated hitter for a second straight game on Monday in an attempt to proceed with caution. The Mets have turned to other options at first base, with Brett Baty getting his first career start there on Sunday against the Pirates and Jared Young getting the nod on Monday against the Cardinals.

  • Polanco's Achilles issue flared up during the Mets' season-opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
  • Mendoza revealed the injury prior to Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The players

Jorge Polanco

A 32-year-old veteran switch-hitter who signed with the Mets in the offseason to play first base despite limited experience at the position.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Brett Baty

A Mets player who got his first career start at first base on Sunday against the Pirates.

Jared Young

A Mets player who got the start at first base on Monday against the Cardinals.

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What they’re saying

“We just have to be careful with him, especially this early.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Polanco's Achilles injury and proceed cautiously with his recovery, likely utilizing other options at first base until he is fully healthy.

The takeaway

Polanco's Achilles issue is an early-season concern for the Mets, who will need to manage his recovery carefully to ensure he can contribute effectively once healthy. The team's ability to adapt and find alternative solutions at first base will be crucial in the meantime.