Mets' Carlos Mendoza Shares Jorge Polanco Injury Update Before Yankees Game
The New York Mets are off to an unfortunate start this season, sitting near the bottom of the NL East with a 19-26 record and falling below .500. The lineup has been depleted by injuries, with cornerstone players such as Francisco Lindor and Francisco Alvarez missing extended time.
First baseman Jorge Polanco was signed to help replace Pete Alonso's production, but the transition has been difficult for the natural middle infielder. Through 14 games, he has posted a .179 batting average, .246 on-base percentage, and .532 OPS with one home run and two RBIs.
Polanco has been battling inflammation and soreness in his left Achilles tendon since late March. Despite receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in April, the discomfort has continued to flare up, and the Mets expect it to be an issue he will have to manage throughout the season.
According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the injury is unlikely to fully heal this year and suggested Polanco will need to play through the discomfort when he returns. The update is unfortunate news for the Mets, as it creates uncertainty surrounding Polanco's timetable while he remains on the injured list.
Jorge Polanco's left Achilles bursitis won't likely dissipate this year, Carlos Mendoza said. The Mets are trying to get him to a place where he can play through the discomfort.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 17, 2026
"Hopefully it goes away," Mendoza said, "but it's probably something he's going to have to manage."
Polanco was struggling before the injury, and his extended absence has only added to the team's offensive issues, forcing New York to rely heavily on depth players and prospects at designated hitter and the corner infield spots.
Originally signed by the Minnesota Twins as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2009, Polanco made his MLB debut in 2014. The one-time All-Star is currently playing under a two-year contract with the Mets that runs through the 2027 season.
Related: John Schneider Shares Troubling Jose Berrios Injury Update Before Rays Game
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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 12:10 PM.