Jesse Winker‘s anticipated return to the New York Mets was meant to inject much-needed energy into a struggling lineup.
However, what was supposed to be a hopeful comeback lasted barely a single at-bat.
After sitting out more than two months due to an oblique injury, Winker was finally activated and slotted into the lineup for the first MLB game of Thursday’s doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.
Given the Mets‘ ongoing battle with injuries and their fight to secure a wild-card spot, his presence was a much-needed boost. Unfortunately, the optimism was short-lived.
Winker came up to bat at the top of the first inning but flied out harmlessly. Yet, something felt off.
By the time his next plate appearance was due, Mark Vientos was already at the plate, signaling the end of Winker‘s day.
Reports quickly surfaced that the veteran designated hitter was dealing with a sudden back issue.
Anthony DiCamo first reported that Winker’s back had “locked up,” according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, and that the player was being sent back to New York for further evaluation.
Winker suffering from a back spasm
Mendoza later confirmed the fears after the game: Winker experienced a back spasm during his at-bat and was headed for MRI testing.
When asked if Winker would return to the Injured List (IL), Mendoza responded cautiously with a “potentially.” Just like that, Winker’s much-anticipated comeback came to a premature halt.
This setback adds to the Mets’ growing list of injury troubles. Starling Marte was recently sidelined with a knee injury, and now Winker‘s status only deepens the Mets‘ concerns as the season races forward.
Winker, who signed a $7.5 million deal this offseason, has yet to showcase his full potential in a Mets uniform.
The majority of his 2025 season so far has been spent on the sidelines rather than in the box score.
With the trade deadline looming and the Mets engaged in a tight wild-card race, every player availability matters. Winker‘s uncertain health status places the team in a difficult spot.
The organization has yet to make additional roster moves and is awaiting MRI results to determine the severity of Winker‘s injury.
If Winker is placed on the IL, a likely scenario given the timing and his sudden back issue, the Mets will need to call up reinforcements.
The most conventional option would be promoting Jared Young from Triple-A Syracuse. However, the more intriguing choice lies in giving Drew Gilbert a long-awaited opportunity in the majors.
Gilbert‘s start to the year was uneven, but recently, he’s been on fire.
In July alone, he has been hitting .320 with three home runs, nine RBIs, and an impressive .134 on-base percentage over just 25 at-bats.
Since late June, Gilbert has blasted nearly half of his 11 total home runs, showing he could be the spark the Mets offense desperately needs.
With Tyron Taylor struggling and the team moving on from Acuna, Gilbert‘s recent power surge and solid play in center field present a tempting option.
If Gilbert can hold down center field, either alone or in a platoon role, it could reduce the Mets’ urgency to make a center field acquisition at the trade deadline, especially if Winker’s back lingers and they need to find a designated hitter.
One caveat is that Gilbert is not currently on the 40-man roster. To add him, the Mets would need to open a roster spot, which they can do by using the one vacated by Travis Jankowski’s recent designation for assignment (DFA).
As the Mets navigate this uncertain stretch, the health of Jesse Winker and the performance of potential call-ups like Drew Gilbert could significantly impact their push toward the playoffs.
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