Mets Outfielder Mike Tauchman Exits Game Early with Knee Injury

Manager Carlos Mendoza provides initial update, says Tauchman is undergoing MRI

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:22pm

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New York Mets outfielder Mike Tauchman left the team's spring training game against the Houston Astros early after experiencing soreness in his left knee. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tauchman is undergoing an MRI to determine the severity of the injury, and the team is awaiting the results before providing more details.

Why it matters

Tauchman was signed by the Mets on a minor league deal and was competing for a spot on the major league roster. Any significant injury could jeopardize his chances of making the team and starting the season with the Mets.

The details

Tauchman was jogging to the outfield to take his position when the injury occurred. He pulled up suddenly and started limping before turning back to the dugout to meet with trainers. The Mets replaced Tauchman with Aaron Salgado for the remainder of the game.

  • The injury occurred during the Mets' 7-5 spring training loss to the Houston Astros on March 21, 2026.

The players

Mike Tauchman

A 35-year-old outfielder who signed a minor league deal with the Mets and was competing for a spot on the major league roster.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Aaron Salgado

The player who replaced Tauchman in the outfield for the Mets.

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What they’re saying

“No, [Tauchman's] getting an MRI right now. So, just gotta wait and see what we're dealing with and go from there.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

“We don't know, I don't know. He was getting ready to take the field, and I guess just came back in and went in with the trainers. So, not sure how that happened.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets are awaiting the results of Tauchman's MRI to determine the severity of the injury and how it may impact his chances of making the team's opening day roster.

The takeaway

This injury to Tauchman is a setback in his bid to earn a spot on the Mets' major league roster, as the team will need to wait for the MRI results to determine the next steps. Any significant injury could jeopardize his chances of making the team out of spring training.