New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. sent for MRI on ailing back
NEW YORK (AP) — Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. remained out of the lineup Wednesday night against Washington and was sent for imaging, the latest issue for a New York team already in an early hole this season. Robert missed his third straight game with tightness in his lower back and could land on the injured list.
“Didn't improve much after treatment yesterday, so he's getting an MRI right now to see what we're dealing with,” manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday afternoon. “We've got to wait and see what the MRI says and what's the plan of attack, if we need to put him on the IL or continue to be day-to-day. But, that's why we're taking a look at it.
” Acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a January trade , the oft-injured Robert got off to a strong start but has cooled off dramatically. He is 5 for 38 (. 132) over his last 10 games dating to April 13 after batting .
298 with 12 walks and an . 866 OPS through his first 14 games. The 28-year-old slugger from Cuba is hitting .
224 overall with two homers, eight RBIs and a . 656 OPS. Tyrone Taylor was set to start in center field Wednesday, with MJ Melendez in left and rookie Carson Benge in right.