New York Mets pause Jorge Polanco’s rehab and spark first‑base competition

The Mets placed infielder Jorge Polanco on the injured list in April after a right‑wrist contusion and later an Achilles bursitis. After a brief rehab stint at Double‑A Binghamton and Triple‑A Syracuse, the club halted his assignment on June 7 because of ankle soreness and sent him back to New York for further evaluation.

Manager Carlos Mendoza announced that first base will be a "healthy competition" after the return of rookie Jared Young. Mark Vientos, who has been the primary first‑baseman, must now earn his at‑bats against Young, who is hitting .313, and occasional DH MJ Melendez. The roster shuffle comes as the Mets struggle near the bottom of the NL East and look to improve a lineup that has underperformed despite a $40 million, two‑year contract for Polanco.