NEW YORK -- Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. could be headed to the injured list pending the results of an MRI on his tight lower back.
Robert underwent testing on his back on Wednesday, five days after first complaining of discomfort in the area. The Mets were awaiting those results before determining his next steps.
"We’ve got to wait and see what the MRI says and what’s the plan of attack,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.
Initially, the Mets labeled Robert day to day, with hopes that he would only miss a game or two. But Wednesday's matchup against the Nats marked the third consecutive game out of the lineup for Robert, who “didn’t improve much after treatment” on Tuesday, according to Mendoza. That prompted the team to send him for an MRI.
It’s a disappointing development for Robert in part because the Mets have spent significant energy trying to keep him healthy during his first year in New York. This spring, the Mets placed Robert on a slow progression, pushing back his Grapefruit League debut to allow him to strengthen his legs. Even as Robert enjoyed a hot start to the regular season, Mendoza gave him occasional rest days, keeping him out of the starting lineup five times in the Mets’ first 26 games.
The 28-year-old Robert, who has made nine trips to the IL over seven Major League seasons, wound up injuring his back anyway.
"Given the history of Luis the past couple of years with injuries, and us trying to get to know the player, the personality, that’s what we’ve got right now,” Mendoza said. “But again, we’ve got to wait. We’re doing everything in our power to keep him on the field, and hopefully this is just a minor thing that we’ll deal with for a couple of days and he’s back out there soon.”
Robert had cooled significantly following his hot start, with a .922 OPS over his first 12 games and a .405 mark over his next 12. He is batting .224/.327/.329 in 24 games overall.