BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The New York Mets Double-A affiliate, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, will face the Portland Sea Dogs at Mirabito Stadium with a new addition to the team Wednesday night – New York Mets first baseman Jorge Polanco. Polanco has begun a rehab assignment with the team this week.
The former American League All-Star will look to overcome an Achilles injury that was suffered in late March and a right wrist contusion, which he attempted to play through before being moved to the injury list on April 14, with team manager Carlos Mendoza providing several updates throughout.
The Mets have been optimistic about Polanco’s potential despite the former American League All-Star’s extensive injury history and a slow two-year stint, averaging .179 through 14 games and striking out 11 times. Adding fuel to the fire were fans and media, who have questioned Polanco’s ability to make an impact at first base, which is an entirely new position for the 13-year veteran.
Mendoza and his coaching staff will have a chance to see what the former Mariner is capable of without the unforgiving major league pressure that has only exacerbated this week after a tough 7-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday that has the Mets at the bottom of the National League East with a 22-33 record.
Polanco is projected to begin the anticipatory return to the major leagues by early June – potentially in a different position – and until then, will serve as an additional infield reference as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies look to come out on top in the six-game series against the Portland Sea Dogs.
Binghamton Rumble Ponies game coverage will air on MiLB.TV, WNBF News Radio 1290 AM and 92.1 FM, with pregame coverage on the Rumble Ponies Radio Network.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Mets 1B Jorge Polanco looks to shake the rust off with Binghamton rehab
Reporting by Aniya Sumner, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
