NEW YORK (AP) – Even when things are starting to fall into place for the surging New York Mets, another impactful injury casted a dark cloud over what should have been a jubilant clubhouse following one of the biggest wins of the year.
After Kelly Johnson’s three-run double in the eighth inning broke a tie and lifted the Mets to a 5-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night, manager Terry Collins announced that second baseman Neil Walker would probably opt for season-ending surgery on a herniated disc in his back.
“After all the evidence has been gathered, he thinks that’s where he’s probably headed,” Collins said.
Walker is expected to address the media on Thursday.
Already without Matt Harvey (thoracic outlet syndrome) for the remainder of the year and with lingering injuries to Noah Syndergaard (bone spur), Steven Matz (shoulder/elbow), Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) and Yoenis Cespedes (quad), losing Walker comes at an inopportune moment. The Mets have won 10 of their last 13 to climb back into the thick of the National League wild card race.