Jesse Winker likely heading towards an IL stint for Mets

The Mets expect Jesse Winker to land on the injured list after leaving Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader with an oblique injury.

Apr 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Jesse Winker (3) scores on an RBI single hit by second baseman Luisangel Acuña (2) during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

After exiting Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals with an apparent injury, the New York Mets may be without Jesse Winker for the foreseeable future.

Speaking with reporters after the Mets' Game 2 loss to the Cardinals, manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that Winker will head back to New York for more imaging on his oblique and said "it looks like an IL situation" for the outfielder.

Carlos Mendoza says Jesse Winker will go back to New York for more imaging and "it looks like an IL situation" pic.twitter.com/IXSy89e7EZ

— SNY (@SNYtv) May 5, 2025

The 31-year-old started Sunday's opener in left field, making it the first time this season that Winker started a game in the outfield for the Mets. Winker's injury occurred during the bottom of the third inning when he attempted to throw home on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Nolan Gorman, which ultimately turned into a double play due to a base-running miscue by Nolan Arenado.

Read More: Mets' Jesse Winker leaves first game of doubleheader due to injury

Winker re-signed with the Mets on a one-year, $8 million deal during the offseason after the Washington Nationals traded the outfielder to the Amazins' during last season's trade deadline. Winker also spoke with reporters after Sunday's doubleheader and revealed when he first felt something was wrong after exiting at the end of the third inning during Game 1.

"I felt it pretty much right when I threw the ball," Winker said. "I'm gonna get more tests done and we're gonna wait until that's all settled to determine what's going on here."

Jesse Winker says he felt something amiss in his side when he threw the ball home in the third inning today pic.twitter.com/7T3DluzPj2

— SNY (@SNYtv) May 5, 2025

In 24 games for the Mets thus far in 2025, Winker is slashing .239/.321/.418 with one home run and 10 RBI.

With the Mets anticipating the loss of their primary designated hitter for quite some time, the bulk of the DH reps may be going to Starling Marte, who has shared a part-time role with Winker in that position. Another option for the Mets is Juan Soto, who started as the DH in Game 2 for New York against the Redbirds; the Mets may also be inclined to recall Brett Baty from Triple-A due to the infielder providing more versatility.