Mets recalled Brett Baty!
The New York Mets will have to adjust their offensive plans after losing Jesse Winker to a right oblique strain that is expected to keep him out for six to eight weeks. The team placed the left-handed hitter on the injured list Monday, following further testing in New York.
Winker sustained the injury during Sunday’s 6–5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals while making a rare outfield appearance. The strain occurred when he attempted to throw out a runner at home on a sacrifice fly from Nolan Gorman, a throw that immediately left Winker clutching his side.
After an MRI in St. Louis showed concern, the Mets kept Winker off their flight to Arizona and sent him to New York for more comprehensive imaging. The follow-up confirmed the oblique strain, forcing the Mets into an early lineup shuffle as they opened a series against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
In response, the New York Mets recalled Brett Baty from Triple-A Syracuse. While the 25-year-old infielder hasn’t played since April 30 due to a sore right big toe, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed he’s arriving without limitations and ready to contribute. However, Baty isn’t a direct replacement for Winker, the Mets instead view his addition as a chance to experiment with lineup flexibility and rotate bats through the DH slot.
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Winker had been serving as the left-handed side of a DH platoon, with Starling Marte handling righty pitching. With Winker sidelined, Marte is expected to step into a more regular DH role and see increased playing time, especially against right-handed starters like Ryne Nelson, whom the Mets faced on Monday.
The Mets plan to keep the designated hitter spot fluid, using it as a way to rest regulars without pulling their bats from the lineup. One name that won’t be part of that DH carousel, however, is Juan Soto; he’s not expected to see time in that role.
Jesse Winker is expected to miss at least six to eight weeks with a right oblique strain, which puts some strain on the Mets’ offense, which is already without Jose Siri.
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As Winker begins a multi-week recovery, the Mets will rely on roster depth and lineup creativity to cover the gap left by one of their key left-handed bats.
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