Jorge Polanco Returns to Mets Lineup After Three-Month Injury Absence

Jorge Polanco returned to the New York Mets lineup Tuesday after missing nearly three months with right wrist and left Achilles injuries. He batted sixth as the designated hitter in the series opener against Kansas City. Polanco signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets before the 2026 season.

He started at first base in the first two games before bursitis developed in his left Achilles. 179 with one home run in 56 at-bats when placed on the injured list April 18 and received a platelet-rich plasma injection that month. "Feeling good," Polanco said before the game.

He has not played since April 14. Polanco resumed his rehab assignment June 27 and went 2 for 15 with two home runs in five games for Triple-A Syracuse. Interim manager Andy Green said Polanco will not play every day at designated hitter.

Green's statement noted that Polanco's presence as a switch-hitter will provide flexibility in the late innings. To make room on the roster, the Mets optioned infielder Ronny Mauricio to Triple-A Syracuse. They also designated pitchers Guillermo Zuniga and Alex Carrillo for assignment and added right-hander Matt Seelinger to the active roster.

Seelinger, a 31-year-old native of Westbury, New York, is making his first major league appearance. Second baseman Marcus Semien, placed on the injured list June 25 with a left hip flexor strain, ran at 80 percent intensity on July 6.