Polanco's Mets Return Delayed: Focus on Rehab Progress

Jorge Polanco will not be rejoining the New York Mets this weekend as he continues his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Syracuse. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that Polanco needs to build more "volume" in his recovery, emphasizing the need for him to complete at least seven innings on defense or take four at-bats as a designated hitter.

Mendoza clarified that Polanco's statistics on his assignment were not the primary factor in the decision. Instead, he is focusing on Polanco's physical progress, noting that the infielder appears healthier and is rotating better during his swings. Polanco has been on the injured list since April 15, initially due to a bone bruise in his wrist, with left Achilles bursitis subsequently extending his absence.

In other team news, Francisco Alvarez is scheduled to catch back-to-back games and may rejoin the Mets during their upcoming homestand as he recovers from knee surgery. Tyrone Taylor has begun running again after being placed on the injured list for a hip flexor strain. Rookie outfielder Carson Benge has been performing well recently, with a strong OPS in his last nine games, despite going hitless on Friday. The Mets' bullpen has been a strong point this season, ranking third in the National League and fifth in MLB with a 3.23 ERA. Their relievers have accumulated 278 strikeouts, leading all of Major League Baseball.