Jorge Polancos balky Achilles keeps him out of Mets lineup

SAN FRANCISCO — Jorge Polanco’s left Achilles is becoming a real pain for the Mets. After progressing in recent days, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, the first baseman’s ankle discomfort resurfaced on Thursday, removing him from Friday’s starting lineup.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.It was the second time in four games that Polanco, who has been used as a DH since Sunday, was absent from the starting lineup. “I am not going to say concern, but it’s a day to day,” Mendoza said before the Mets’ 10-3 win over the Giants.

“He’s got days where he feels it more and for the past couple of days he was in a pretty good place until [Thursday] night.” Polanco hasn’t played first base since last Saturday because of the discomfort, which Mendoza is terming as tendonitis.Brett Baty got the start at the position on Friday, but Mark Vientos and Jared Young have also received starts there. Mendoza said he’s been pleased with Vientos’ development at the position. “[Thursday] night the way he moved, a couple of plays there,” Mendoza said.

“He’s moving around well, not only when he’s fielding the baseball, but just how he’s receiving the throws.He’s looked really good there.” David Peterson committed an error fielding a toss from Vientos on a ball that appeared thrown behind the left-hander, and Mendoza indicated it’s part of the “learning curve” for Vientos. “[Vientos] made a hell of a play there,” Mendoza said.

“You have got a moving target and you just continue to practice that.”  Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

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