The Polanco Problem: Jorge Polanco’s Achilles Issues Persist; Mets Weighing 10-Day IL Stint .v1

FLUSHING — The “Next Man Up” mantra is being tested to its absolute limit in the Mets’ clubhouse this week. Just as the team began to settle into the reality of life without Juan Soto, a second cornerstone of the infield is teetering on the edge of the shelf. Jorge Polanco, the veteran infielder brought in to provide a steady veteran presence at first base and the designated hitter spot, is facing a persistent battle with Achilles tendinitis that may force him onto the 10-day Injured List.

The issue first cropped up in early spring, but the Mets hoped that a managed workload would allow Polanco to “gut it out” through the first month of the season. However, following Wednesday’s grueling extra-inning contest against the Diamondbacks, the “Polanco Problem” reached a breaking point. Polanco was a late scratch from Thursday’s lineup after the Achilles flared up during pre-game warmups, leaving manager Carlos Mendoza with a difficult decision to make.

“It’s one of those things where some days he feels like he’s 100%, and other days he wakes up and it’s just not responding,” Mendoza said during a somber Thursday press conference. “We’ve reached a point where we have to ask if we’re doing Jorge or the team any favors by playing him at 70%. If we need to put him on the shelf for ten days to get this right for the summer, that’s a move we’re seriously considering.”

The tactical fallout of a Polanco IL stint is significant. With Soto already out, the Mets lose another high-leverage bat in the middle of the order. However, the silver lining lies in the organization’s burgeoning depth. A Polanco absence would likely mean an everyday role for Mark Vientos at first base, a position the young slugger has handled with increasing confidence. It also opens the door for Jared Young, who has been a pleasant surprise in a utility role, to see more meaningful at-bats.

For Polanco, the frustration is visible. The 32-year-old was seen in the dugout during Thursday’s finale, a heavy wrap on his lower leg, looking on as the Mets struggled to generate offense in a 7-1 loss. His absence removes a switch-hitting weapon that Mendoza relies on to disrupt opposing bullpens.

“I want to be out there,” Polanco told reporters briefly. “The trainers are doing everything they can. We just have to see how it feels tomorrow morning.”

As the Mets prepare for the arrival of the Sacramento Athletics, the front office is expected to make a final call. With Ronny Mauricio already up and performing, the Mets may decide that a short-term stint on the IL for Polanco is the only way to ensure the “Polanco Problem” doesn’t become a season-long headache.