Jesse Winker is likely to land on the Injured List after being pulled from yesterday’s first game loss to the Cardinals with an oblique injury, originally diagnosed as ‘right side discomfort.’ Winker is headed to New York for further testing.
Winker made his first start in left field of the season yesterday, and appeared to injury his oblique while throwing the ball to the infield after catching a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning.
Winker got off to a slow offensive start this season, but has been hitting the ball better as of late. His current slash line of .230/.321/.418 with five doubles, two triples, and one home run is good for an OPS+ of 111. Winker has been sharing the designated hitter role with Starling Marte, who will likely see more time in that role with Winker on the IL, but Marte’s age, handedness, and general decline do not make him an ideal full-time DH.
The Mets have been bit by the injury bug as of late, losing both A.J. Minter and Danny Young to major injuries in the past eight days. Hopefully, Winker’s stay in the IL will only be minor.
