Jorge Polanco returns from long IL stint to find Mets team in shambles

There was a time this season when it appeared the Mets had been ready to get their high-priced, veteran gamers wholesome as a way to get them within the lineup and make a run at salvaging the season.

Jorge Polanco was part of that group when he went down with a proper wrist contusion April 14.

By the point he lastly returned to the Mets on Tuesday evening at Citi Discipline, Polanco had change into a face of every part that’s gone flawed for the group this yr.

He’s nonetheless not totally recovered from the Achilles bursitis that’s plagued him all season — and helped preserve him on the IL for practically three months — regardless that he was initially sidelined by the wrist harm.

And at the same time as Polanco returned, it’s solely as a part-time participant — as he shall be restricted to DH duties, at the very least within the quick time period.

However beggars can’t be choosers, so the 33-year-old was again within the lineup because the Mets opened a homestand in opposition to the Royals at Citi Discipline.

“I’m feeling good,’’ Polanco stated. “I’m excited to be right here. Grateful to be again.”

Polanco was signed to a two-year, $40 million contract as a bit of the offseason roster overhaul that noticed the arrival of Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien and Luis Robert Jr., amongst others, together with departure of Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil.

The outcomes have been worse than anybody might have imagined, as by the point Polanco acquired again, with Robert nonetheless sidelined, a brand new supervisor greeted him.

“We’re most enthusiastic about his bat proper now,” interim supervisor Andy Inexperienced stated earlier than the sport. “If he finally ends up at first base as time goes on, that might be nice. His bat has a whole lot of worth for us.”

Polanco being caught at DH will possible restrict the time different gamers — like Francisco Alvarez — will get on the place.

Alvarez and Luis Torrens have break up time behind the plate, with Alvarez often at DH, a mixture “that in all probability lessens to a point now,’’ in line with Inexperienced.

Inexperienced additionally pointed to liking the presence of a switch-hitter on the bench in Polanco.

However this was hardly the state of affairs the Mets envisioned once they introduced in Polanco, hoping he might be a part of a revamped lineup that might have extra flexibility on protection.

There’s nonetheless no expectation of when that may occur, however Polanco stated he’s had “extra good days than unhealthy days” of late throughout his minor league rehab project, which is why the transfer was made to convey him again to the majors.

Maybe simply as worrisome is the truth that there’s no telling when his Achilles harm shall be behind him.

Polanco stated the discomfort was “bettering” and is uncertain if he’ll must have any type of process following the season.

Not surprisingly, Polanco known as his first season as a Met “irritating.”

“You possibly can’t management it,’’ Polanco stated of the accidents. “You need to be there and I need to assist the group. I used to be simply making an attempt to get wholesome and I’m again right here now, so I’m comfortable.”

Whether or not he can get the Mets out of their malaise is a unique matter.