Mets Center Fielder Jose Siri Out with Fractured Tibia

NEW YORK, NY — New York Mets center fielder Jose Siri has been diagnosed with a fractured left tibia and will be placed on the injured list, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Monday following the team’s 5-1 win over the Minnesota Twins.

Siri sustained the injury during the second inning of Saturday’s game against the Oakland Athletics when he fouled a ball off his leg. Initial X-rays returned negative, but as Siri continued to experience pain, further imaging revealed the fracture. “With how much pain he was going through… that’s why we sent him for an MRI and CT scan today,” Mendoza said.

Following the diagnosis, Siri will begin a 10-day stint on the injured list, although no specific timetable for his recovery has been provided. “It’s obviously disappointing whenever something like that happens, but at the same time, we’re not gonna get too ahead of ourselves,” Siri, 29, said through a translator. He added that he considers himself a “quick healer,” expressing optimism about his recovery.

Despite the hope for a swift return, the Mets will face challenges in filling Siri’s void in the lineup. The team’s starting center fielder has struggled at the plate this season, hitting just .050 with one RBI, four walks, and eight strikeouts over 10 games. Mendoza stated that Tyrone Taylor will likely take up the majority of Siri’s playing time.

Mendoza also mentioned other potential outfield candidates, including Jesse Winker and Starling Marte, for corner outfield positions as the Mets navigate the adjustments required due to Siri’s absence. The Mets have maintained the same 26-man active roster since Opening Day, making Siri’s injury the first in-season roster move aside from the designated for assignment trade of another player.

Siri joined the Mets from the Tampa Bay Rays in a trade last November, despite having recorded a dismal .187 batting average across a career-high 130 games the previous season. His defensive skills, however, were a significant factor in the Mets’ decision to acquire him.

“We gotta get more information before we know how long he’s going to be out, but he’s gonna be out for a while,” Mendoza added, indicating the team would consult further details before making any definitive statements about Siri’s return.