Mets Suffer Another Blow as Jorge Polanco’s Expected Return Takes Unexpected Turn Following Latest Injury Setback

San Diego, California — The New York Mets’ frustrating 2026 season may have just encountered another obstacle.

After falling to the San Diego Padres on Saturday, the Mets dropped to 28-36 on the year, continuing what has been an underwhelming campaign filled with inconsistency, injuries, and missed opportunities.

For much of the season, New York has struggled to establish momentum, leaving fans searching for reasons to remain optimistic as the club attempts to stay within striking distance of the National League playoff race.

Heading into the weekend, however, there appeared to be some encouraging news on the horizon.

Veteran infielder Jorge Polanco, who has been sidelined with left Achilles bursitis, was reportedly nearing a return and could have been activated as early as Friday during the team’s road series against San Diego.

According to Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo, the organization was optimistic about Polanco’s progress and had begun discussing a potential timeline for his return.

Because of the lingering nature of his injury, Polanco was expected to spend much of his time at designated hitter once he rejoined the major league roster.

The plan seemed straightforward.

Allow Polanco to complete his rehab assignment, gradually ease him back into action, and provide the struggling lineup with another experienced bat.

Unfortunately for both the player and the organization, those plans suddenly changed.

Polanco’s Return Delayed After Unexpected Exit From Rehab Assignment

Just when it appeared the veteran infielder was finally approaching the finish line, another setback emerged.

During his minor league rehab assignment on Saturday, Polanco was forced to leave the game because of renewed discomfort.

The development immediately raised concerns inside the organization, especially considering how difficult the recovery process has already been.

New York Post reporter Mike Puma later revealed that Polanco had experienced ankle soreness and would return to New York for additional medical evaluation.

Instead of preparing for his return to Citi Field, the Mets now find themselves waiting for answers.

The latest setback is particularly concerning because Polanco has battled lower-body issues for several months.

What initially appeared to be a manageable injury has continued to linger, preventing the veteran from establishing any consistent progress.

Carlos Mendoza Confirms Lingering Achilles Problem Remains

Following Saturday’s loss to the Padres, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the media and provided further clarification regarding Polanco’s condition.

While discussing the injury, Mendoza acknowledged that the discomfort stemmed from the same Achilles bursitis issue that has troubled Polanco since late March.

According to reports shared by SNY Mets, Polanco experienced discomfort during his running progression before taking the field for his rehab assignment.

That pain proved significant enough to force a change in plans.

The fact that the issue resurfaced during a routine progression raises understandable concerns about the long-term stability of the injury.

For the Mets, patience may once again become necessary.

Another Injury Adds to New York’s Growing List of Challenges

The timing of this setback could hardly be worse.

New York entered the season with expectations of competing in a crowded National League race, but injuries and inconsistent performances have repeatedly derailed those ambitions.

At 28-36, the Mets are far from eliminated from postseason contention.

With several months remaining in the regular season, there is still ample opportunity for the club to reverse course and climb back into the playoff picture.

However, successful teams often rely on continuity and stability.

Those qualities have been difficult for New York to find throughout the season.

Every time the Mets appear ready to regain momentum, another obstacle seems to emerge.

Polanco’s latest setback now joins a growing list of issues that have complicated the team’s plans.

Polanco Was Expected to Play a Major Role in 2026

When the Mets entered the season, Jorge Polanco was viewed as one of the veterans capable of providing balance and leadership to the lineup.

His switch-hitting ability and experience were expected to give New York valuable flexibility both offensively and defensively.

The organization believed Polanco could become an important complementary piece around the club’s core players.

Instead, injuries have prevented him from making the impact many anticipated.

For Polanco personally, the latest setback represents another frustrating chapter in what has already been a difficult year.

Veteran players understand how challenging lengthy recoveries can become, particularly when progress is repeatedly interrupted.

Few things are more discouraging than believing a return is imminent only to encounter another physical obstacle.

The Mets Now Face Another Waiting Game

At this stage, the organization will wait for further medical evaluations before determining the next step in Polanco’s recovery.

The severity of the setback remains unknown.

Team officials are expected to gather additional information before establishing a revised timeline.

Until then, the Mets must continue moving forward without one of the players they hoped would strengthen the offense.

As frustrating as the season has been, New York still has time to change its fortunes.

But in a season already defined by adversity, the club can ill afford many more setbacks.

For now, all eyes will be on Jorge Polanco and the results of his upcoming evaluations.

What initially looked like a long-awaited return has suddenly become another question mark for a team desperately searching for answers.

And for a Mets club trying to keep its postseason hopes alive, uncertainty is the last thing it needed.