Mets’ Polanco setback halts return as Achilles issue resurfaces

The New York Mets’ plans for a mid-season roster adjustment have been disrupted after infielder Jorge Polanco was removed from a minor league rehabilitation assignment on Saturday. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that the veteran player experienced ankle soreness during his running progression, leading to a re-aggravation of his left Achilles bursitis.

Polanco, who has been managing the injury since late March, was scheduled to return to New York for further medical evaluation. The setback interrupts a timeline that had suggested the infielder could have been reinstated from the injured list as early as Friday. Prior to the development, Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo reported that the club was considering activating Polanco to serve primarily as a designated hitter.

The news arrives on the back of a challenging weekend for the franchise. The Mets dropped a contest against the San Diego Padres on Saturday, a result that left them with a 28-36 record. The accumulation of injuries has complicated efforts to stabilise the squad’s performance during a season that has yet to meet expectations.

Mendoza addressed the media following the game, noting that Polanco felt discomfort prior to playing in the rehab assignment. The manager linked the current soreness directly to the ongoing Achilles bursitis issue, confirming that the player’s progress toward a major league return is now on hold pending the outcome of further assessments.

Polanco was viewed as a significant component of New York’s roster construction for the current campaign. His prolonged absence and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery add to the difficulties the team faces in maintaining momentum. The club will now await the results of the evaluation to determine the severity of the re-injury and the revised timeline for his availability.