Mets catcher James McCann headed back to IL with oblique strain
Mets catcher James McCann runs along the first base line on his three-run home run during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins in an MLB baseball game at Citi Field on Thursday, July 7, 2022. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Just weeks after returning from a broken hand that cost him a month and a half, James McCann is going back on the injured list, leaving the Mets’ catching situation murky.
McCann, who was injured while making a tag at home plate Saturday, will miss more than the minimum 10 days with a left oblique strain, Buck Showalter said. Obliques are notoriously tricky injuries, often taking multiple weeks to fully heal, as the Mets experienced this year with Max Scherzer.
The Mets promoted Patrick Mazeika from Triple-A Syracuse to back up Tomas Nido. The three catchers have not hit much this season, combining to bat .200 with three homers and 30 RBIs going into Sunday.
“I’m disappointed for [McCann] and obviously the team,” Showalter said. “But I’m disappointed for him because I know how hard — the trainers were talking about that they don’t know if they’d ever have anyone work harder to get back from a hamate [the broken hand]. I know he was really disappointed last night. He was hoping to get some different news.”
Starling Marte, who injured his groin Saturday, will avoid the IL after an MRI showed inflammation. He said the area had been bothering him for a few days and he’s considered day-to-day, Showalter said.
Lindor not an All-Star
Despite having four-time All- Star to his name, Francisco Lindor said he is OK with not getting the call this year.
“I don’t want to say I’m disappointed,” he said. “I would love to go to the All-Star Game. It’s the best event of the summer, you know? But at the end of the day, I’m healthy. We’re playing good. It is what it is. There are good players out there that made All-Star that deserve it.”
Personnel news
Jeff McNeil will head to the paternity list as his wife prepares to give birth to the couple’s first child. Infielder Kramer Robertson had a locker at Citi Field on Sunday, but no official move was made . . . The Mets expect Travis Jankowski (left hand surgery) back for their series in Atlanta on Monday. He has missed a month and a half . . . The Mets claimed lefthanded reliever Sam Clay off waivers from the Phillies and optioned him to Syracuse. Reliever Jake Reed was designated for assignment.
Laura Albanese is a reporter, feature writer and columnist covering local professional sports teams; she began at Newsday in 2007 as an intern.
