The Mets have played remarkably well despite injuries to their starting rotation, bullpen, and position players. Even a few of the now-famous “bench mob” crew have been sidelined, most notably Kevin Pillar, who had facial surgery Friday, yet celebrated his team’s win on Twitter that night.
While the Mets have been able to tread water with literally replacements for replacements on the field, any injured players able to return would be most welcome. Brandon Nimmo may be getting close to rejoining the team.
According to Tim Healey of Newsday, Nimmo’s finger injury is actually in the nerve, and as such has taken a long time to heal. Nimmo will not swing the bat until he is pain free, but the outfielder says he is nearing that point.
Update on Brandon Nimmo, from Brandon Nimmo: His finger bruise actually is a nerve issue. That's why it's taking so long to heal.
He still is waiting for the pain to be 100% gone before swinging, but he said he feels he is close to that.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) May 22, 2021
Nimmo has been on the injured list since May 5, and would likely require a few games’ worth of a rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues once he’s deemed healthy, and if things go well, that would estimate any possible return in late May or early June.
The Mets have been using and outfield of newly-acquired Cameron Maybin, Johneshwy Fargas, and Khalil Lee (with Dominic Smith as well when he’s not playing first base, which he will be doing more with the injury to Pete Alonso). Nimmo’s return would provide the Mets will a high on-base percentage in the leadoff spot, and allow players such as Fargas and Lee to possibly return to Triple-A to continue their development.
Nimmo was slashing .318/.430.439 when he went on the injured list. With the return of Seth Lugo, J.D. Davis, and Jacob deGrom in the not too distant future, the Mets may start to get some valuable pieces back in their quest to hold on to their lead in National League’s eastern division, which currently stands at two and one-half games.
