The New York Mets are set to provide infielder Jorge Polanco with increased opportunities at the designated hitter position as they navigate the absence of outfielder Juan Soto, who is dealing with a left calf strain. Interim manager Andy Green stated that Polanco will receive the majority of designated hitter at-bats in the coming month, and the team is also considering him for some innings at first base.
"We’re still trying to get him back on the field and into rhythm," Green said prior to the Mets' 4-3 loss to the Dodgers on July 25, 2026. "In the last week, Juan’s obviously taken quite a few of the DH at-bats, and I think that’s kind of stunted [Polanco’s] ability to find some rhythm."
Polanco, acquired in the offseason to bolster the lineup, has been a significant disappointment and has missed substantial time due to left Achilles bursitis and a right wrist contusion. Since returning from the injured list in early July, Polanco has struggled offensively, hitting 4-for-35 with a .114 batting average.
On the season, Polanco is slashing .156/.208/.233 with a .441 OPS in 24 games. His strikeout rate has also been a concern, with 16 strikeouts in his last nine games. Green emphasized the importance of Polanco regaining his ability to dominate the strike zone and resist chasing pitches outside of it.
"Him getting back to what his strength is, which is dominating the strike zone, [is important]. When he first showed up, it was laying off pitches outside the zone," Green said. "It’s really easy when you get into a situation where you’re striking out more than you’re comfortable doing, to just feel like you have to swing, which typically makes it worse. He’s going to punch back, and he is going to be fine."
In other team news, pitcher Clay Holmes is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Sunday, after which the Mets will determine his next steps. Holmes recently completed a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse, throwing 51 pitches on Thursday. Additionally, rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing is also in a slump, batting 3-for-22 over his last several games. Eric Wagaman has been called up from Syracuse to replace Soto on the active roster. Former Mets player David Wright was in attendance at the game.