Juan Lagares held out of lineup because of pain under right arm
Juan Lagares #12 of the New York Mets makes a catch on a ball hit in the fifth inning by Everth Cabrera #1 of the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 in the Queens Borough of New York City. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Mets centerfielder Juan Lagares did not start Tuesday night's game against the Cubs, and he could be sidelined Wednesday as well, after experiencing lingering pain from a strain just below his right armpit.
"He's been bothered by it for a week and now it's starting to flare up a little bit," manager Terry Collins said. "Now, he's got some medication for it and now some rehab."
Collins said an MRI exam Tuesday revealed "no real severe trauma area." But he hopes rest will be enough for the pain to subside.
The injury stemmed from a diving catch he made on May 5 at Citi Field. But the discomfort flared up. Lagares still feels pain while running, throwing and taking deep breaths.
"It bothered me a little bit only," Lagares said. "I hope I'm ready for tomorrow."
Some relief
By Sunday, injured relievers Bobby Parnell and Vic Black will have their rehab assignments moved to Triple-A Las Vegas, a sign that both have moved closer to returning to the big leagues.
Parnell, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, will pitch once more with Class-A Port St. Lucie Thursday before he is moved. He was roughed up for three runs in his first outing Monday. "He's certainly not ready to pitch here yet," Collins said.
Black has been throwing bullpens and will pitch his first rehab game with Triple-A Las Vegas. He has been sidelined with shoulder tendinitis and has yet to pitch this season.
Wright still slowed
David Wright has yet to resume baseball activities after a sore back stopped his rehab from a hamstring injury. "The only good news is that he feels better," Collins said. The third baseman had been on track to begin on-field work on Monday, though he has been limited the last two days.
Reliever Buddy Carlyle was unavailable Tuesday night with back tightness. He will be re-evaluated Wednesday . . . Collins is strongly considering batting the pitcher eighth more often, as he did Tuesday night with Noah Syndergaard, who made his big league debut.
