New York Mets left fielder Jesse Winker departed the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth inning with what the team has described as right-side discomfort.
The injury likely came during Winker’s only real action in the field, which came in the bottom of the third inning when he caught Nolan Gorman’s sacrifice fly and threw home unsuccessfully to try and nab Brendan Donovan, which tied the game at two apiece.
Second baseman Jeff McNeil moved to left field upon Winker’s exit, Luisangel Acuna shifted from third base to second, and Mark Vientos entered the game at third.
Sunday was Winker’s first start of the season in left field. He had only played two defensive innings this year as the left-handed half of the Mets’ designated hitter platoon alongside righty Staring Marte. He entered Sunday batting .239 with a .734 OPS, one home run, and nine RBI in 23 games.
The Mets’ outfield depth has already taken a hit this season with Jose Siri on the injured list due to a broken leg, but an abundance of depth, including Brandon Nimmo, Jose Azocar, and McNeil, has softened the blow. Should Winker miss considerable time, Marte will see the bulk of DH at-bats while Nimmo would provide a left-handed option, which he did during the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader.
