Pete Alonso Injury Adds to New York Mets’ Woes
The New York Mets’ already challenging season took another hit on Wednesday when All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso left the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning after being struck by a pitch on the right hand. The injury occurred when Alonso was hit by a 93.2 mph fastball from Dodgers’ pitcher James Paxton. Alonso immediately showed signs of pain, going down on one knee before getting back up and being attended to by team trainers. He subsequently exited the game, and was replaced by Brett Baty, who assumed third base defensively while Mark Vientos moved to first base.
The initial X-rays on Alonso’s hand were negative, but the Mets will not have a definitive diagnosis until the results of a CT scan are available on Thursday. This injury comes at a particularly bad time for the Mets, who also announced earlier that closer Edwin Díaz had been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. Díaz, who has struggled on the mound recently, saw his ERA balloon from 2.13 at the beginning of May to 5.40 by month’s end. His removal from the active roster, combined with Alonso’s injury, compounds the Mets’ difficulties as they continue to struggle in the standings.
The Mets’ season has been marked by a series of setbacks and underwhelming performances. They entered Wednesday’s game with a dismal 22-32 record, sitting 15 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East. The team is closer to the last-place Miami Marlins than to securing a wildcard spot, trailing the San Diego Padres, the current final NL Wild Card team, by a significant margin.
Alonso’s injury is particularly concerning given his role as one of the Mets’ few consistent offensive threats this season. The 29-year-old, who has played in all of the Mets’ games this season, is slashing .231/.308/.453 with 12 home runs and 26 RBIs. His OPS stands at .761, showcasing his continued power at the plate despite the team’s overall struggles. Alonso, a three-time All-Star and the 2019 Rookie of the Year, is in the final year of his team control and is expected to become a free agent after this season. Last June, he reportedly turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension offer from the Mets.
The Mets are hoping that Alonso’s injury will not sideline him for an extended period. His leadership and power are crucial for a team looking to salvage a disappointing season. The impending free agency of Alonso adds another layer of complexity, as any prolonged absence could impact both his future contract negotiations and the Mets’ decision-making regarding potential trades.
Meanwhile, Edwin Díaz’s shoulder impingement adds another headache for the Mets’ management. Díaz, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a torn patellar tendon, had blown three of his last four save opportunities before being placed on the injured list. His recent struggles had already led to his removal from the closer role.
The Mets’ woes this season have included public missteps from team owner Steve Cohen and critical comments from key players like Francisco Lindor. Injuries to pivotal players such as ace pitcher Kodai Senga have further hampered the team’s performance. Since April 21, the Mets have a dismal 10-24 record and are currently 1-4 in their 10-game homestand following two consecutive losses to the Dodgers.
The Mets will host the Arizona Diamondbacks for a four-game series starting Thursday, potentially without their star slugger Pete Alonso. This latest series of events underscores the challenging season the Mets have endured and the significant hurdles they must overcome to turn their fortunes around.