New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. has a history of injuries. It’s the risk the Mets took when acquiring him in a trade from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Luisangel Acuña. Robert got off to a red-hot start in his first few games with the Mets. He even got a walk-off three-run homer against the Pittsburgh Pirates, his first dinger as a Met. Ever since then, he has cooled off mightily. It doesn’t stop there, though, as it seems he may be heading to the injured list now.
Luis Robert Jr.’s Bad Injury Luck Strikes Again
After being announced as day-to-day due to lower back tightness, Robert needs to get an MRI, according to Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza. Mendoza stated, “We’ve got to wait and see what the MRI says and what’s the plan of attack, if we need to put him on the IL or if he continues to be day-to-day, but that’s why we’re taking a look at it.”
Luis Robert Jr. is day-to-day due to lower back tightness pic.twitter.com/Bs7PgN4ddn
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 28, 2026
It just doesn’t get any easier for the Mets, who are already dealing with a ton of injuries. Between the absences of Francisco Lindor, Kodai Senga, and Jorge Polanco, and Juan Soto‘s recent forearm tightness, it seems as though the injuries are just piling on by the day for this team. In 24 games this season, Robert has hit two homers and has eight RBI to go along with a slash line of .224/,329/.329. Safe to say that so far, this trade hasn’t worked out how the Mets hoped it would.
What Is the Plan for the Mets’ Outfield?
As for right now, if Robert goes to the IL, the Mets seem to have more than enough backups and replacements. Tyrone Taylor can see an uptick in playing time, as well as MJ Melendez, who will probably play the field more if the Mets lose Robert. Vidal Brujan is another name the Mets can bring up from the minor leagues. Brujan, who last played for the Chicago Cubs before getting DFA’d last July, had a solid spring training with the Mets. He is a utility piece who could be of help if needed.
The team will need as much help on the offensive side of things as needed. With Robert’s injury not looking too good, someone else in this lineup will have to step up before the season keeps going downhill. It will be interesting to see what the corresponding move will be following the updates on Robert.
What Should the Mets Do with Robert?
The Mets should look to put Robert on the IL if possible. Giving him a week or two of rest could help him out. However, all the Mets can do right now is wait for the updates from the MRI. It will be interesting to see if the Mets end up regretting the trade with the White Sox, especially depending on how much time Robert might miss.
Main Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
