New York Mets center fielder Harrison Bader suffered a neck and upper back injury when he crashed into the wall attempting to make a catch during Tuesday night’s game against the Washington Nationals.
Manager Carlos Mendoza described Bader’s condition as day-to-day after pulling him from the game in the fourth inning. Brandon Nimmo, who replaced Bader, contributed two runs in New York’s 7-2 win in 10 innings. Nimmo was making his return after injuring his forehead when he fainted and fell in his hotel room on Sunday.
Mendoza expressed confidence in Nimmo’s readiness. “After he completed his pregame routine, he came into my office and said, ‘I’m good to go,’” Mendoza said. “When he saw Bader’s injury, he immediately started moving around, so he was ready to play, and it worked out well.”
In the third inning, Bader collided with the video screen in right-center field while trying to catch a ball hit by Jacob Young. He was slow to rise but continued playing until Mendoza decided to pull him from the game.
Additionally, designated hitter J.D. Martinez missed the game due to a sore left ankle.
“J.D. felt something last night and thought it was minor, but today he still didn’t feel right,” Mendoza explained. “He didn’t feel comfortable hitting in the cages, so we hope it’s just a day or two issue. We’ll assess it further tomorrow.”
Bader, who is 30 years old, has had a solid first season with the Mets, hitting .273 with six home runs and 31 RBIs after signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal in January. He spent last season with the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds, having previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals.
