Jorge Polanco, a key player for the Mets, faced boos from the Citi Field crowd on Sunday during a 2-0 loss to the Marlins. He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk, and the jeers came after his ninth-inning at-bat.
Since returning on July 7 from a significant injured list stint, Polanco has struggled significantly. In his last 15 games, with at least 50 plate appearances, he has recorded a .078 batting average with one double, three walks, and 18 strikeouts. Interim manager Andy Green acknowledged Polanco's struggles, attributing them to a need to regain timing and confidence after his extended absence.
"It’s fair to assume, with as much time as he missed, he’s still working back his timing and at the same time, getting to a base where he’s comfortable and confident with his hitting,'' Green said. "The results have not materialized."
The team is hoping a change of scenery will help the infielder. "I’m excited to get him on the road,'' Green stated. "Honestly, just change the environment and maybe getting some early hitting in. We’ll see if we can jump-start him on the next road trip. It’s definitely been a tough stretch for him."
Roster Adjustments
In other team news, the Mets designated outfielder MJ Melendez for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Melendez, 27, signed a one-year deal in the offseason and was expected to compete for an outfield position. He has since been surpassed by rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing and spent time with Triple-A Syracuse since late June.
During his two-plus months on the major league roster, Melendez posted a .665 OPS in 144 plate appearances, with four home runs. The Mets also designated right-handed pitcher Kevin Herget for assignment and optioned pitcher Jonathan Pintaro to Syracuse.
The team also added catcher Shawn Ross, claiming him off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ross, 26, appeared in two games for Pittsburgh this season before being designated for assignment. He had spent most of his season with Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. Joey Gerver was designated for assignment to make space for Ross on the roster.
Pitching Development
Robert Stock, a right-handed pitcher, is under consideration for another start in the Mets rotation. Stock limited the Marlins to one run over five innings in his first major league start since 2021. Stock, 36, returned this spring after thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and was emotional about his performance.
"It felt great,'' Stock said. "To think about where I was a couple months ago, when I couldn’t lift my arm above my head, to be at Citi Field is as much of a dream come true as could be."
Stock's performance was praised by Green, who managed him previously in San Diego. Green called Stock's 70-pitch outing "really impressive."