The extra precautions the Mets are taking with Luis Robert Jr. might not be enough.
Robert, following the team’s scheduled day off, was absent from the starting lineup in the Mets’ 8-0 win over the Nationals, and manager Carlos Mendoza revealed the outfielder is dealing with lower back tightness.
Robert will be evaluated daily, but Mendoza indicated the injured list is a possibility.
“Sunday, lower back tightness, that is why he played only one game,” Mendoza said, referring to the team’s doubleheader against the Rockies.
“It didn’t get better. He is getting treatment as of right now.”
Robert’s injury history has dictated the Mets not pushing him too hard — including days when Robert’s only availability has been to pinch hit in a game-deciding situation, so he won’t have to play the field.
Carson Benge (2-for-4, two RBIs) started in center field Tuesday, with MJ Melendez (1-for-3) in left as the cleanup hitter.
Robert owns a .224/.327/.329 slash line with two homers and eight RBIs in 24 games this season.
Mendoza, on the hot seat, was asked about the recent firings of managers Alex Cora and Rob Thomson by the Red Sox and Phillies, respectively.
Thomson, a former Yankees coach, was fired Tuesday.
“It’s the reality, it sucks,” Mendoza said. “What happened to those two guys, guys I consider [among] the best at what they do, especially Thomson is one of my mentors. But you understand that it’s the business and when you don’t get results, it happens. I’m aware of it. I’m not going to run away from it.”
