The New York Mets' frustrating start to the 2026 season has hit another snag, as the club placed designated hitter Jorge Polanco on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist contusion. The move comes amid a nine-game losing streak, the team's longest skid in over two decades.

Polanco, 32, sustained the injury during a swing in Tuesday's game against the Dodgers. Manager Carlos Mendoza described it as a bone bruise that worsened overnight, initially puzzling the medical staff as it resembled an impact from a pitch. This wrist issue compounds a challenging beginning to Polanco's tenure in Queens, as he has also been managing bursitis in his left Achilles tendon.

These physical setbacks have clearly impacted his performance at the plate. After signing a significant two-year deal in the offseason, Polanco has struggled to find his rhythm, posting a .179 average with a .532 OPS through his first 14 games. This is a stark contrast to his productive 2025 campaign with Seattle, where he slugged 26 home runs. For a player known for his consistent bat, getting healthy is the clear first step to turning things around.

In his absence, the Mets have called up catcher Hayden Senger from Triple-A Syracuse. Senger, who has shown promising power early this season, provides Mendoza with additional flexibility behind the plate and allows him to use other catchers in the DH spot. The Mets, now sitting at 7-13, are desperately searching for answers to stop their slide and climb out of the NL East cellar.