Mets' Jesse Winker to travel back to New York after right side injury, with IL stint likely

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mets left fielder Jesse Winker will fly back to New York instead of traveling with the team to Arizona after leaving the first game of a doubleheader at St. Louis on Sunday with right side discomfort.

Winker had an MRI after the game, but manager Carlos Mendoza said after the Mets lost the nightcap 5-4 that more imaging was needed and a stint on the injured list was likely.

“He's going to go back to New York,” Mendoza said. “We need to get more pictures on it. They weren't clear here. But it looks like an IL situation.”

Winker was injured in the oblique area while making a throw to the plate in the third inning of the Mets' 6-5 loss in the twinbill opener.

“I felt it pretty much right when I threw the ball,” Winker said after the second game.

Winker said it was likely an oblique injury but test results were not conclusive.

“I'm going to get more tests done and then we're going to wait until all that's settled to determine what's going on here,” Winker said. “Whatever it is, I'm in good hands here. It'll be taken care of.”

Mendoza acknowledged there’s always concern when the word oblique is mentioned.

The 31-year-old Winker was making his first start in left field this season. He had played just two innings in left this year while serving mainly as a designated hitter.

The Cardinals loaded the bases with one out in the third. Nolan Gorman hit a flyball to Winker, who made the catch and threw home to try and nab Brendan Donovan, who slid in safely before catcher Luis Torrens got the ball. Nolan Arenado was ultimately tagged out in a rundown on the play.

Jeff McNeil moved from second base to replace Winker in left. Luisangel Acuna, who was making his first start at third base, switched to second. Mark Vientos entered to play third and take Winker’s spot in the lineup.

Winker had a walk and a sacrifice fly in his two plate appearances. He's hitting .239 this season with one homer and 10 RBIs in 24 games.

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