Mets infielder Jorge Polanco has begun his second rehab assignment, aiming for a return to the team despite persistent pain in his right ankle.
Polanco played in his first game with Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, logging three at-bats. This marks his second attempt at a rehabilitation assignment after his first in late May and early June was cut short due to intolerable ankle soreness.
“I think I’ll be able to return because my leg just feels stronger,” Polanco said through an interpreter on Sunday. “I’ve put more of a workload in there. But I’ve also been able to recover properly.”
Originally placed on the injured list in mid-April with a wrist contusion, which he states is fully resolved, Polanco has also been dealing with Achilles bursitis in his right ankle. He and the team believe this condition is likely to persist throughout the season.
“There’s still pain there, but it’s a pain that I feel like I can tolerate,” Polanco, a 13-year veteran, stated. “I’m in a position right now where my ankle does feel good enough to go out there and play.”
The next phase of his recovery will involve logging more games and at-bats. Polanco is expected to serve primarily as a designated hitter upon his return. Interim manager Andy Green indicated that there is no definitive timeline for Polanco's return, as the club will monitor his ankle's response to increased activity.
Polanco acknowledged that both his personal situation and the team's performance this season have been disappointing. He signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets in the offseason.
“The expectations were high. The team as a whole has not played up to our capabilities,” Polanco said. “Also, no one wants to be injured. From that aspect, it hasn’t been a good feeling.
“But at the same time, you have to go out and continue to be positive and try to turn the tide.”
Polanco has played in only 14 games this season. The Mets have faced difficulties at first base, with players like Eric Wagaman being designated for assignment after filling in.