2 NY Mets injuries worse than the loss of the player, 1 with a silver lining

The New York Mets have been bitten over and over again by the injury bug in 2026 -- an unrelenting problem amidst a deeply troublesome campaign.

With some of the Mets' injuries, the resulting consequences of the IL stints have been more painful to swallow than the mere fact of a single player missing some time. On the other hand, injuries can also lead to special opportunities for young talent. Here are two Mets injuries this year that have been even more dreary than just the loss of the player, as well as one injury that led to something awesome.

2 Mets injuries that have had depressing consequences, 1 that provided a silver lining

Francisco Alvarez is on the IL again in what feels like an annual event

Alvarez's hot start made Mets fans believe that this was going to be his breakout year, which made his meniscus tear on May 13 all the more deflating.

It's also the fact that injuries keep derailing Alvarez's development each year that has Mets fans particularly depressed about this one. This isn't a singular injury, but rather another event in a growing pattern with Alvarez that has fans wondering if he'll be one of those guys who is perpetually injured and never reaches his potential. There's no evidence yet to suggest that Alvarez can escape this injury curse, which is a grander problem than Francisco's specific knee ailment at the present moment.

Ronny Mauricio could’ve had a chance to prove himself in place of Francisco Lindor

Not dissimilar from Alvarez, Mauricio had a path laid out in front of him to produce and assert himself in 2026. Although Alvarez is a regular starter, and Mauricio's big opportunity was created due to Francisco Lindor's injury, Mauricio's fractured thumb was just as disappointing, perhaps even more so, considering Mauricio isn't likely to get as many opportunities as Alvarez in the immediate future.

Mauricio's outstanding athleticism and youth (25 years old) position him as a rising star in the Mets' system, but injuries getting in the way of his career aren't a new development. He tore his ACL in December 2023 and missed the entire 2024 season because of it.

Mauricio's walk-off moment earlier in the year had fans excited for a potential breakthrough in 2026, but he's back on the IL, and any momentum has been lost.

Silver lining: The loss of Luis Robert Jr. has given us A.J. Ewing

Despite the Mets building a plan before the season to guard against it, no one was shocked to see the ever-fragile Luis Robert Jr. head to the Injured List on April 30.

Before he hit the IL, by the way, Robert had fallen off dramatically production-wise from his hot start to the season, and fans were already whispering that trading for him had been a lose-lose deal for everyone involved. Robert's injury only added to that notion.

However, Robert's absence has created space for the young A.J. Ewing to make a name for himself. New York's No. 1 prospect didn't waste any time asserting himself on the big stage, and he's injected much-needed energy into the Mets' clubhouse and fan base.

Entering Thursday, Ewing was 8-for-27 with a .922 OPS and two stolen bases since his promotion. The Mets definitely have another stud to build around moving forward.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow