Mets’ Jared Young Likely Out 6-8 Weeks with Meniscus Tear

This recap takes a look at the New York Mets’ latest injury news, lineup shuffles, and ongoing offensive struggles as the team tries to push through a demanding stretch of games.

Jared Young is out with a left knee meniscus tear. Juan Soto’s still rehabbing a calf strain, and Jorge Polanco is battling Achilles soreness, so New York’s scrambling for a replacement plan while trying to snap an eight-game losing streak.

There’s also a look at how these injuries shaped the Mets’ choices against a Dodgers lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani. What’s next? Soto’s making progress toward a return, but the near-term picture is still up in the air.

Jared Young placed on the injured list with a left knee meniscus tear

The Mets said utilityman Jared Young will need surgery for a left knee meniscus tear, which will keep him out for about six to eight weeks.

Young started the season hot, going 7-for-20, but the injury derailed that momentum. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted the timing couldn’t be worse, with multiple lineup injuries making it tough to keep the offense steady.

Lineup changes and replacements amid the injury stretch

With Soto out as he rehabs his calf and Polanco limited by leg soreness, New York turned to Brett Baty at first base and placed him in the heart of the order.

MJ Melendez came up to fill Young’s roster spot, started as the designated hitter, and picked up a 2-for-4 day in his Mets debut.

• Brett Baty took over first base and batted third, giving the Mets some defensive flexibility while they worked around missing right-handed bats.
• MJ Melendez replaced Young and delivered a multi-hit game in his first outing back with the club.
• Baty went hitless in an 8-2 loss at Dodger Stadium, a game that just drove home how much the offense is struggling.

That loss made it eight straight defeats for the Mets. They’ve managed only 12 runs during this rough patch.

Mendoza said Soto still needs to ramp up his running and agility work before he’s cleared to come back, so expect more lineup shuffling for now.

Other injury updates: Soto, Polanco, and the timetable for returns

Juan Soto remains out, working through his calf strain, but there’s a bit of optimism—he’s running again and has taken live batting practice.

The Mets are eyeing his return during the upcoming nine-game homestand that starts Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins. If Soto’s back in the lineup mid-series, that could finally bring some life to the offense.

Jorge Polanco is gutting it out with an Achilles issue and felt more foot soreness after Tuesday’s game against the Dodgers. That kept him out of Wednesday’s matchup.

With Soto ramping up, Polanco nursing his foot, and Young missing, the Mets are leaning on their depth and hoping someone steps up from the lower part of the order.

What the short-term absence means for Mets’ offense

• The offense just can’t seem to get going, especially with three regulars—Soto, Polanco, and Young—on the shelf, leaving a real leadership gap.
• Young’s six-to-eight-week timeline means maybe a mid-to-late May return, which could help steady the bench if Soto and Polanco get back sooner.
• With that nine-game homestand coming up, getting Soto healthy could finally give the lineup a jolt at the top or in the middle—assuming he’s cleared to run full speed.

Dodgers game takeaway and the path forward

The Mets’ 8-2 defeat at Dodger Stadium capped an arduous eight-game losing streak. Over that stretch, they managed just 12 runs.

This loss really spotlighted how quiet New York’s offense has been lately. Even with Melendez jumping in and making noise in his first game back, the lineup just couldn’t get going.

Mendoza talked about Soto and stressed the need for patience. The club wants to make sure Soto’s ready for the grind before they put him back in.

A nine-game homestand is coming up, and the Mets are counting on Soto’s return. They’re also hoping Polanco keeps progressing and Young can get healthy soon.

Maybe those changes will spark a lineup that’s struggled to find its rhythm. They’ll also have to rely on depth guys and hope players like Baty and Melendez keep developing.

The team’s still trying to navigate this stretch with all the injuries. It’s not pretty, but what can you do?

If Soto gets back on schedule and Polanco shakes off that soreness, the Mets might finally stabilize things. That’s the hope, anyway, as they push toward the midseason grind.
 
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