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The New York Mets are taking extra steps to safeguard Luis Robert Jr., though these measures might not suffice.
After the team’s scheduled day off, Robert found himself missing from the starting lineup as the Mets cruised to an 8-0 victory over the Nationals. Manager Carlos Mendoza disclosed that the outfielder is contending with tightness in his lower back.
Robert’s condition will be assessed on a daily basis, but Mendoza hinted that a stint on the injured list could be on the horizon.
“On Sunday, he experienced lower back tightness, which is why he only participated in one game,” Mendoza explained, referencing the team’s doubleheader against the Rockies.
“His condition hasn’t improved, and he’s currently undergoing treatment,” he added.
Robert’s injury history has dictated the Mets not pushing him too hard — including days when Robert’s only availability has been to pinch hit in a game-deciding situation, so he won’t have to play the field.
Carson Benge (2-for-4, two RBIs) started in center field Tuesday, with MJ Melendez (1-for-3) in left as the cleanup hitter.
Robert owns a .224/.327/.329 slash line with two homers and eight RBIs in 24 games this season.
Mendoza, on the hot seat, was asked about the recent firings of managers Alex Cora and Rob Thomson by the Red Sox and Phillies, respectively.
Thomson, a former Yankees coach, was fired Tuesday.
“It’s the reality, it sucks,” Mendoza said. “What happened to those two guys, guys I consider [among] the best at what they do, especially Thomson is one of my mentors. But you understand that it’s the business and when you don’t get results, it happens. I’m aware of it. I’m not going to run away from it.”