The New York Mets have another injury concern on their hands.
Outfielder Brandon Nimmo was forced to exit Wednesdayâs game against the Washington Nationals with a stiff neck.
Nimmo, who grounded into a double play in his only at-bat, was replaced by Starling Marte in left field in the second inning.
The Mets (67-59) went on to lose 5-4, snapping their three-game winning streak. The loss dropped New York a season-high 6.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the National League East.
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Why Did Brandon Nimmo Leave the Game Early?
Nimmo said his neck flared up before the game and he tried to play through it, but it hindered him at the plate and in the field.
âWhen I was running in, I wasnât able to look up,â Nimmo said, via the Associated Press. âSo, I was being a detriment on both ends. Sometimes I can fight through it in the past, and I wasnât able to.â
This is a recurring issue for the 32-year-old Nimmo, whose neck has bothered him periodically since he ran into an outfield wall in Atlanta in 2019. Nimmo was pulled from a game in May against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to neck stiffness. In 2022, Nimmo missed Opening Day for the same reason.
Nimmo explained that treatment typically consists of heating pads, muscle relaxers, and exercise.
âItâs just unfortunately a chronic thing that Iâm going to have to deal with for the rest of my career,â Nimmo said, via MLB.com. âWeâve been able to do a pretty good job of keeping it at bay for the most part. Unfortunate for it to show up again this year.â
Nimmo is considered day-to-day, according to Newsdayâs Laura Albanese. The Mets wrap up their three-game series with the Nationals on Thursday before traveling to Atlanta.
How Does Brandon Nimmoâs Injury Impact the Mets?
Nimmoâs injury comes just days after the Mets placed catcher Francisco Alvarez on the 10-day injured list with a right thumb UCL sprain. Alvarez, who is slashing .341/.400/.659 with three home runs and 11 RBI this month, will try to play through the injury but may require season-ending surgery.
While this injury typically has not cost Nimmo much time, the Mets canât afford to lose him. Heâs been a constant atop the Metsâ lineup, appearing in 122 of the teamâs 126 games and hitting .254 with 20 homers, 68 RBI and 12 stolen bases.
The Mets are just 5-12 this month, and their lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL wild card spot is down to a half game.
Marte and Jeff McNeil are the likeliest candidates to take Nimmoâs place in the outfield.
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