The New York Mets have suffered another significant blow to their already depleted roster, placing center fielder Luis Robert Jr. on the 10-day injured list due to a lumbar spine disc herniation. This latest setback adds to a growing list of injuries that have tested the team's depth early in the season. Robert, 28, has not taken the field since the first game of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, with the team initially citing lower back tightness. An MRI later revealed the more serious herniation, leading to the IL move retroactive to April 27.
Manager Carlos Mendoza provided an update on Robert's condition, stating that the outfielder received an epidural and has been instructed to rest for seven to 10 days. Team doctors remain hopeful that Robert can return shortly after that rest period. "It's just frustrating from both ends — for Luis, for us," Mendoza said before the series finale against the Washington Nationals. "But we've got to get him back right." This marks Robert's 10th IL stint since 2021, a troubling pattern that has included previous issues with his right hip, right knee, left wrist, left hamstring, and even blurred vision. The only season he managed to play more than 110 games was in 2023, when he hit 38 home runs for the Chicago White Sox and finished 12th in AL MVP voting.
The Mets acquired Robert in January from the White Sox in exchange for Luisangel Acuña, hoping his Gold Glove-caliber defense would shore up their up-the-middle alignment. To preserve his health, the team limited him to back-field duty for most of spring training, but the careful approach has not paid off as expected. Robert started the season strong with a home run and five RBIs in the first two games, but his production has since plummeted, with just five hits in his last 38 at-bats dating back to April 13, dropping his season average to .224. "He's super frustrated — yesterday and this morning, when he got the news — because he's done everything we're asking him to do," Mendoza added.
Robert is now the second Mets player to land on the IL with a lumbar spine issue, joining starting pitcher Kodai Senga, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with lumbar spine inflammation. He is also the third opening day position player sidelined, alongside shortstop Francisco Lindor (left calf) and first baseman/designated hitter Jorge Polanco (left Achilles, right wrist). For a team that entered the season with high hopes, the mounting injuries have created an uphill battle, and fans will be watching closely to see how the Mets navigate this challenging stretch.