Mets Weigh Injured List Decision for Ailing Infielder

Jorge Polanco's Achilles injury may force the team to place him on the IL.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with sharp planes of color and form representing the physical toll of injury on an athlete's body.An abstract, cubist interpretation of a Mets player's injury struggles captures the team's depth challenges.Today in Pittsburgh

The New York Mets are considering placing first baseman Jorge Polanco on the injured list due to an ongoing Achilles tendinitis issue. Polanco has been managing the injury since the start of the season, but it flared up again after Wednesday's game, leading the team to sit him for the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Why it matters

Polanco's potential IL stint would create more playing time opportunities for other Mets infielders and designated hitters, including Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Jared Young. The team has already lost outfielder Juan Soto to a calf strain, so Polanco's absence could further test the Mets' depth.

The details

Manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that the team may need to place Polanco on the injured list at some point, though the situation remains 'fluid.' Polanco has not started at first base since the second game of the season due to the Achilles issue, and Mendoza acknowledged there are days where the injury flares up more than others.

  • On April 9, 2026, Polanco was not in the Mets' lineup for the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
  • After Wednesday's game, Polanco's Achilles flared up again, leading the Mets to sit him for the April 9 game.

The players

Jorge Polanco

A 32-year-old first baseman for the New York Mets who has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis since the start of the 2026 season.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Mark Vientos

A Mets infielder who could see increased playing time if Polanco goes on the injured list.

Brett Baty

A Mets infielder who has been filling in for the injured Juan Soto in the outfield.

Jared Young

A Mets infielder who has been a pleasant surprise this season and could see more opportunities if Polanco is sidelined.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to tell. There are days where he comes in and he feels really good, and he goes out there and does a little bit of defensive work, and there are days where he feels it more. We're watching it closely here and seeing what happens.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.