Mets Expect Jorge Polanco To Be In 'baseball Progression' For Spring Training Following Successful Surgery

Mets 1B/DH Jorge Polanco underwent successful surgery earlier this week, interim manager Andy Green revealed to reporters prior to Friday's opener with the Astros.

Polanco endured an extremely frustrating first season in orange and blue.

He was signed this offseason to take over the bulk of the playing time at first base following Pete Alonso's departure, but ended up being relegated to strictly DH duties when he was actually on the field.

The veteran only appeared in 37 games before deciding it was best to shut things down.

Polanco battled through left ankle bursitis from the second game of the season on, then was also dealing with a wrist issue as he was progressing his way back.

He recorded just 20 hits, seven for extra-bases, across his 135 at-bats.

Green said that Polanco is in good spirts following the procedure, and the Mets expect that he'll be going through a "baseball progression" next spring training.

What exactly that progression entails remain to be seen.

The Mets are certainly hoping to have the 33-year-old back at full strength by the time the regular season rolls around, as he could be a potentially big bat in the middle of their lineup, if he can stay healthy.

Devenski's role

With Polanco officially sidelined the rest of the way, the Mets removed him from the 40-man roster, clearing a spot for right-hander Chris Devenski on Friday.

Devenski is a fresh arm for this bullpen in what will be his second stint with the club.

The veteran reliever made 13 appearances for New York last season, pitching to a 2.16 ERA with 14 strikeouts before being designated for assignment in late September.

"He's a veteran presence, who is an unbelievable person and can fill a number of role for us," Green said. "We've obviously rotated out that last spot in the 'pen the past few days quickly.

"You never know how quickly that spot gets rotated out, sometimes it stays for 14-15 days, sometimes it only stays for a day or two and it's need based -- he's someone who understands that incredibly well, can handle that incredibly well, and can add value to a number of young guys down there while he's here."