NY Mets Place Polanco on IL, Recall Senger

New York Mets infielder and designated hitter Joey Polanco has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right wrist contusion, the team announced on April 18, 2026. The move creates immediate roster flexibility as the Mets recalled catcher Senger from their Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse to fill the vacancy.

Polanco, who has served as a key contributor at both first base and designated hitter this season, exited the Mets’ April 17 game against the Miami Marlins after experiencing discomfort in his right wrist during a swing in the fifth inning. Initial evaluations ruled out a fracture, but swelling and tenderness prompted the club to place him on the injured list retroactive to April 18, making him eligible to return no earlier than April 28.

Polanco entered the 2026 season with a .278 batting average, eight home runs, and 22 RBIs through the Mets’ first 25 games. His versatility in the lineup has allowed manager Carlos Mendoza to rotate him between first base and the DH spot depending on pitching matchups and the availability of other players. The injury removes a consistent source of offense from the middle of the Mets’ order at a time when the team is competing for a playoff berth in the National League East.

The Marlins game, held at loanDepot Park in Miami, saw Polanco go 0-for-3 with two strikeouts before his exit. He was replaced in the lineup by Mark Vientos, who shifted to first base while Daniel Vogelbach took over DH duties. Polanco did not return to the game and was not available for pinch-hitting duties later in the contest.

In response, the Mets recalled catcher Senger from Syracuse, where he has been playing regularly since the start of the season. Senger, a 25-year-old former sixth-round pick, has hit .290 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 22 games for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate. Defensively, he has thrown out 35% of attempted base stealers and posted a .992 fielding percentage behind the plate.

Senger’s recall provides the Mets with additional depth at catcher, particularly as starting catcher Tomas Nido has dealt with minor soreness behind the plate in recent games. While Senger is not expected to start immediately, his availability gives Mendoza flexibility to manage workloads or respond to any further issues with the catching corps.

The Mets currently sit second in the National League East with a 14-11 record, trailing the Atlanta Braves by 1.5 games. New York has shown resilience despite early-season injuries to key players, including starting pitcher José Quintana and outfielder Brandon Nimmo, both of whom have missed time due to various ailments.

Polanco’s placement on the injured list is retroactive to April 18, meaning he could be reinstated as early as April 28 if symptoms subside and he clears the required return-to-play protocols. The team has not indicated whether he will require a rehabilitation assignment with Syracuse before rejoining the major league club.

For now, the Mets will rely on a combination of Vientos, Vogelbach, and newly promoted Senger to maintain offensive production and defensive stability while Polanco recovers. The organization emphasized that the move is precautionary, aiming to prevent the contusion from worsening into a more significant issue that could lead to extended time away from the lineup.