The Citi Field Curse struck the New York Mets hard over the last 24 hours. Adding four injuries requiring significant time to heal, before the series opener against the Washington Nationals, the Mets needed something to go right for them. Unfortunately, it is the Mets in 2017 – as such a fifth injury occurred mid-game, as Juan Lagares‘ thumb injury will sideline him.
Juan Lagares‘ Thumb
The Mets defensive-minded center fielder likely broke the IP joint of his left hand while making a diving attempt on Anthony Rendon‘s RBI single in the fifth. He landed awkwardly on his glove hand, and though it’s not 100% for certain, it is likely the fracture happened during this play, when Lagares’ thumb bent at a nasty angle during the landing. Lagares owns a slash of .269/.317/.409/.725 in 93 at bats this season. There is no timetable for his return.
Juan Lagares left tonight’s game with a fracture of the IP joint in his left thumb.
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 16, 2017
Mets Current Disabled List
The Mets disabled list continues to grow daily, with the assumed addition of both Lagares and RHP Matt Harvey (stress injury, right scapula) to the DL. They will join other recent additions 2B Neil Walker (partial tear, left hamstring), LHP Josh Smoker (strained left shoulder), and SS Asdrubal Cabrera (sprained left thumb).
These five also join Noah Syndergaard, Jeurys Familia, David Wright, and Tommy Milone who have all been on the disabled list for extended periods of time.
Concern in the Outfield
Concern should be the emotion of the day around Queens. The Mets currently have two healthy outfielders in Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson. Michael Conforto recently missed four games with back stiffness. Yoenis Cespedes‘ hamstring is still on the mend. Terry Collins does not want to risk sending his best hitter back to the DL from over-use.
Once the Mets move Lagares to the DL, it is likely that Brandon Nimmo would be recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas. He owns a Minor League slash of .223/.365/.392/.756. He will at least fill a uniform for Collins’ men.
