Every Mets player beginning the season on the IL

Everyone’s least favorite part of the game we all love are the injuries that unexpectedly pop up. No one is safe from injuries. This year’s New York Mets will, as they always do, begin the year with several players on the IL.

Let’s catch up on those injuries and see when they could be back.

NY Mets closer Edwin Diaz is out for the year

Even worms living under rocks know Edwin Diaz suffered an injury during the victory celebration of Team Puerto Rico in the WBC. A torn patellar tendon will sideline the star Mets closer for all of the 2023 season with a slim chance of a return at the very end.

NY Mets starting pitcher Jose Quintana is likely to miss half the season, probably more

Bone graft surgery on a rib has claimed at least a few months from Jose Quintana. The free agent starting pitcher signed by the Mets this offseason will be lucky to take the mound at all in the first half. We know better than to set any expectations of a return prior to August.

NY Mets reliever Sam Coonrod has a TBD return date

A waiver claim from the Philadelphia Phillies, Sam Coonrod has been sidelined with a strained lat since mid-March. He had been pitching amazingly well for the Mets prior to the injury. His role with the Mets could be to provide them with a fresh arm.

NY Mets reliever Bryce Montes de Oca is also out for the year

Bryce Montes de Oca was one of the more exciting young(er) Mets pitchers we could’ve seen regularly this year. Unfortunately, Tommy John Surgery has claimed his 2023 campaign. We hope he becomes one of the successful graduates of the surgery and is available at some point in 2024.

NY Mets reliever Stephen Ridings hasn’t pitched for the team yet

Stephen Ridings was one of several offseason additions the Mets made to give the team a little more pitching depth. Unfortunately, a shoulder impingement has kept him off the field. Not much has been mentioned about this graduate of Tommy John Surgery. 

NY Mets pitcher Elieser Hernandez is the latest to join the walking wounded

A strained shoulder is what will keep Elieser Hernandez out of action at the start of the year. Viewed as a long-man candidate and possibly some starting pitching depth, it’s too early to know when to expect him back.

The Mets are fortunate to head into the opener without any position players on the IL. The loss of this many arms, however, is definitely alarming.

Update: Justin Verlander has also been placed on the IL. Ouch! This one hurts.