Mets Expected to Place Jesse Winker on 10-Day IL with Oblique Injury

Mets outfielder Jesse Winker is likely headed to the 10-day injured list after suffering an oblique injury during Sunday’s 6-5 loss to the Cardinals. Winker hurt his right side while attempting to throw out Brendan Donovan at home on a sacrifice fly in the third inning. Though he finished the inning, he was replaced before the Mets returned to the field. An MRI later confirmed oblique damage, prompting Winker to return to New York for further evaluation on Monday. Given the unpredictable nature of oblique injuries, his recovery timeline remains uncertain, with a more severe strain potentially keeping him sidelined for months.

Sunday marked Winker’s first start in the outfield this season and only his second non-DH appearance in 24 games. With the Mets playing a doubleheader, they adjusted their lineup, placing Winker in left field for Game 1 while Starling Marte made his first outfield appearance of the season in Game 2. As the Mets prepare for their upcoming series against the Diamondbacks, Winker’s absence will force the team to rethink their outfield depth and lineup rotation.