SAN DIEGO — Jorge Polanco’s imminent return to the Mets may not be so imminent.
The veteran infielder was removed from his minor league rehab assignment on Saturday due to ankle soreness, according to the team, and will return to New York for further evaluation.
Polanco was previously scheduled to play for Triple-A Syracuse.
The Mets had originally hoped he would rejoin the club on this road trip, but manager Carlos Mendoza indicated on Friday that Polanco needed to build up at-bats and innings at first base for Syracuse.
Polanco, who arrived on a two-year contract worth $40 million, was placed on the injured list with a right wrist contusion on April 15, but at the time was dealing with left Achilles bursitis.
In recent weeks Mendoza said Polanco would likely have to play through some level of discomfort in the ankle this season.