Veteran infielder Jorge Polanco began his rehab assignment with the New York Mets at Double-A Binghamton Wednesday, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. The 32-year-old All-Star hit a single in his first at-bat since being taken out of action earlier this season due to multiple injuries.
Jorge Polanco Will Receive Reps at DH
Polanco joined the Mets on a two-year, $40 million contract during the offseason. The intention was for him to be the starting first baseman. But, he spent most of his career at shortstop and second base, meaning first was unfamiliar territory for him.
His first season in Queens started unsuccessfully where he batted .179 and struck out 11 times. In 14 games, he tallied 10 hits, three doubles, two RBI and a home run.
Not long after, Achilles bursitis, a wrist problem, and an ankle injury combined to take and keep Jorge Polanco out of the lineup. His Achilles is not expected to fully heal this season. Mendoza plans to use Polanco as the Mets’ designated hitter for that reason. Mark Vientos will continue to man down first base.
“The way we see it, it’s going to be a lot of DH,” Mendoza told reporters. “Hopefully, we can get him a game or two at first, but try to keep him off his feet as much as possible. He’ll probably play some first base once he starts going through his rehab assignment, but probably looking more like DH and try to keep his bat in the lineup as much as possible.”
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However, shifting Jorge Polanco to designated hitter can cause another issue for the Mets. Juan Soto has been receiving reps as their DH, as he is slowly moving back to left field permanently. Francisco Lindor can also receive opportunities in the DH spot when he returns from a quad injury later this season.
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