Things continue to spiral for the New York Mets, as the club suffered another setback ahead of their series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Mets placed Jared Young on the 10-day injured list and, in a corresponding roster move, recalled outfielder MJ Melendez. At the same time, New York also parted ways with veteran right-handed reliever Luis García, who was designated for assignment.
Young’s injury stems from left knee discomfort that was later diagnosed as a meniscus tear, an issue that will require surgery in New York and is expected to keep him out long-term, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon.
The loss is a tough blow for the Mets, as Young had been providing a spark in limited action. In just 20 at-bats, he hit .350 with a .351 on-base percentage and an .841 OPS while also delivering steady defense at first base and in left field.
With Young sidelined, MJ Melendez steps into the opportunity. The 27-year-old, who was non-tendered by the Kansas City Royals after the 2025 season and signed by the Mets on a one-year, $1.5 million deal, has struggled offensively at Triple-A Syracuse, hitting .216 with two home runs and a .799 OPS in 51 at-bats.
Young’s absence also reshuffles playing time for a Mets offense already struggling to produce. Mark Vientos and Tyrone Taylor have seen increased opportunities, but neither has been able to consistently deliver at the plate, with Vientos enduring a 0-for-23 slump and Taylor batting just .182 in limited action.
The Mets’ offensive woes have been magnified during a seven-game losing streak in which the team has scored just 10 total runs. Injuries to key contributors, including Juan Soto, have only made the situation more difficult, while Jorge Polanco continues to play through an Achilles issue despite clear limitations.
With the lineup searching for answers and depth being tested, Melendez may be thrown into action sooner than expected as New York tries to stop the skid.
