Mets second base prospect Reese Havens hasn’t participated in workouts in over a week due to continued problems with his sore back. Yesterday, manager Terry Collins told reporters that Havens will get a cortisone shot today to try and relieve the stiffness he is experiencing.
“Reese Havens, when he’s healthy, is an outstanding, fun-looking player,” Collins said. “He’s one of those guys you just know the ceiling — if we can get him in the lineup, he’s going to play in the big leagues.”
Havens, 25, has been hampered by side and back issues for the better part of his four professional seasons with the Mets and has been limited to only 213 professional games during that span.
He underwent surgery last year to remove an inch of a rib, which was believed to be the cause of his back problems, and this season was expected to be his chance to shine and secure the second base job for the Mets at some point this season or next.
“It’s been embarrassing,” Havens said. “Everybody has expectations for me, none higher than my own.”
Expectations have always been high for Havens since he was drafted four spots after Ike Davis in the first round in 2008. Two weeks ago, Terry Collins said Havens was the player he was most looking forward to watching in camp. Now, Collins says Havens is “about as down as I’ve seen him.” He said Havens is frustrated, but that he’s frustrated too.
