Overview
- Polanco began a Triple‑A rehab assignment with Syracuse on Saturday and went 0‑for‑3 in his first game as the club resumes his return process.
- He has not played for the Mets since April 14 after left‑Achilles/ankle issues forced a shutdown in early June and MRI testing showed inflammation but no tear.
- Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has said the team hopes Polanco can return before the All‑Star break, though he cautioned the injury is tricky and timing remains uncertain.
- New York is 34‑48 and recently replaced manager Carlos Mendoza with Andy Green, so any sustained production from Polanco would carry added urgency for a team short on middle‑order offense.
- If Polanco can recapture the power he showed in 2025 with Seattle, the Mets could gain a clear lineup option at first base/DH and reduce the team’s reliance on interim options like Jared Young, Mark Vientos, and Brett Baty.