NEW YORK -- Six days after a Matt Moore fastball struck his left hand, Mets outfielder Michael Conforto landed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday with a lingering bruise. The Mets activated starting pitcher Zack Wheeler, who took a no-decision in their 7-6 win over the Phillies, in a corresponding move.
Conforto has not played since suffering his injury Sunday in San Francisco, but DL rules stipulate that the Mets can only backdate his stint three days, to Wednesday. He underwent three rounds of medical testing, including an MRI, CT scan and multiple X-rays, all of which confirmed he was suffering only from a bruise.
"It's definitely frustrating," Conforto said. "You never want to be on the DL. I wish I could be out there with these guys. We're playing well right now. I definitely wish I could be out there, but we just don't want it to be a situation that lingers. We'll knock it out and hopefully be healthy the rest of the season."
Conforto was batting .285 with 14 home runs in 69 games, establishing himself as a strong All-Star candidate before tailing off in recent weeks. His absence delays a difficult decision for the Mets, who are receiving significant offensive production from three other outfielders: Yoenis Cespedes, Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson.
The Mets' hope is that Conforto can return as soon as he is eligible, July 8 in St. Louis. Though they could give Conforto two additional days beyond that, which would afford him an even longer rest through the All-Star break, that is not the club's plan.
"I hope I can play in St. Louis," Conforto said. "All these games leading up to the All-Star Game are very important. It's a bummer I have to miss the Nationals series [next week], those are always awesome series to be a part of. But I definitely hope I can be there in St. Louis."