Jesse Winker’s Mets Return Derailed Again by Back Injury

Jesse Winker’s latest attempt to rejoin the Mets lineup was short-lived. After missing more than two months with a side injury, the designated hitter returned Thursday but lasted just one at-bat before back discomfort forced him out of the game. He was pulled during the first matchup of a doubleheader against Baltimore, and the team has already arranged for medical imaging to determine the severity of the issue.

This comeback was meant to revive a struggling Mets offense. Instead, Winker’s appearance ended with a routine pop-up in the first inning and a substitution by Mark Vientos two innings later. Winker’s body, once again, didn’t hold up. It was just his second game since early May.

For now, Vientos steps into the primary DH role. Though he’s recently struggled at the plate, he made an impression in Game 1 with two hits, including a double. That small performance bump comes at a crucial time for the Mets, who are losing regular contributors just days before the All-Star break.

Another recent blow came with Starling Marte being sidelined due to knee issues. He was placed on the injured list earlier this week and is expected to be available only after the break. The Mets will resume their schedule on July 18 against Cincinnati at Citi Field.

Before landing on the injured list with an oblique strain earlier this year, Winker held a .239 average and had driven in just 10 runs with one homer. During a short minor league stint for rehab, he showed signs of rhythm, logging multiple extra-base hits and a few walks.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Winker experienced a back spasm and that more clarity would come following his tests. When asked about another IL stint, Mendoza didn’t rule it out. The uncertainty around Winker only adds to a growing injury list that continues to hamper the team’s playoff hopes.

Winker, who signed a $7.5 million deal ahead of the season, has rarely been healthy enough to contribute. Much of his 2025 campaign has been spent off the field, rehabbing instead of producing. With the second half of the season approaching, the Mets are once again left guessing when — or if — he’ll be fully available.

In the second game of Thursday’s doubleheader, rookie José Iglesias got the start at second base after being used as a substitute in the opener. He had recently returned from Triple-A, where he accumulated just over 50 plate appearances — the team’s target number — before being recalled.

With the All-Star break looming, New York is navigating yet another reshuffling of the roster, hoping for better news as medical reports come in.