Mets designated hitter/outfielderJesse Winkerexited Monday’s split squad game against the Rays in the bottom of the third inning after his first at-bat and was removed for precautionary reasons.
While popping out in the first inning, Winker stumbled out of the box a bit and initially appeared to come up lame. Manager Carlos Mendoza belayed fears of a more serious injury after the game, reporting that Winker was just dealing with cramps and he is doing “fine.”
“Felt something in the calf, he’s like, ‘It’s just a cramp,'” Mendoza said after the Mets’ 2-0 loss to Miami. “But, you know, at this point in camp we don’t want to take any chances.”
Winker, who stayed in the dugout for a bit before heading to the clubhouse, was replaced at DH by prospect Ryan Clifford.
“He went in, trainers took a look at him and confirmed it was just a cramp,” the skipper continued. “So, I just talked to him now and he should be ok.”
After getting treatment on the cal, Winker said he “feels better” and is “not really too concerned about it.”
“It just cramped up,” he continued. “[Athletic trainer Bryan] Baca and Mendy, they were just like, ‘let’s go get treatment, let’s just play it smart.’ It was the right move.”
With the Mets having Tuesday off, the DH expects to be able to return to the lineup later this week.
The expectation has been that Winker will be the Mets’ regular designated hitter when the regular season begins.
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