Jesse Winker Injury Update: Will the Mets outfielder take the field against Athletics tomorrow

New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker’s absence from the lineup has sparked growing concern among fans, as the slugger prepares to miss his fourth consecutive game during Saturday’s matchup against the Oakland Athletics. With the Mets’ offense sputtering early in the season, Winker’s prolonged absence raises questions about his immediate role and the team’s contingency plans.

Jesse Winker’s slow start and mysterious absence

Winker, who joined the Mets in a high-profile offseason trade, has struggled to find his rhythm at the plate, opening the year with a meager 5-for-24 (.208) stat line. His slump, paired with undisclosed health concerns, has kept him sidelined since April 10, though the team has yet to classify his status as anything beyond routine maintenance.

The Mets’ reluctance to disclose specifics about Winker’s condition has fueled speculation. Manager Carlos Mendoza has repeatedly deflected questions, stating only that the 30-year-old is “working through adjustments” during pregame drills. However, sources close to the team suggest Jesse Winker is managing a minor lower-body issue, likely related to his mobility in left field.

How the Mets are coping

In Winker’s absence, veteran Starling Marte has absorbed the bulk of designated hitter duties, batting fifth in Saturday’s lineup. Marte, who’s hitting .276 with two homers in 2025, provides a steadier offensive presence but lacks Winker’s on-base prowess (career .374 OBP). The reshuffle also forces Brandon Nimmo into more frequent left-field assignments, testing the Mets’ outfield depth.

Defensively, the Mets lose little with Marte at DH, but Winker’s patience at the plate—a trait that netted him 84 walks last season—is sorely missed in a lineup prone to strikeouts. New York’s .298 team OBP ranks 22nd in MLB, amplifying the need for Jesse Winker’s disciplined approach.

Will winker return Sunday?

While Mendoza hasn’t ruled Winker out for Sunday’s series finale, the outfielder’s limited participation in baseball activities suggests caution. Hitting coach Jeremy Barnes hinted at ongoing “mechanical tweaks” to Winker’s swing, but insiders note his absence is more health-related than performance-driven.

If Winker sits again, expect Marte to remain at DH, with Tyrone Taylor or DJ Stewart slotting into corner outfield roles. Both offer pop—Taylor homered twice this week—but neither matches Winker’s knack for grinding at-bats.

Mets’ early-season crossroads

At 7-9, the Mets can ill afford extended absences from key bats like Jesse Winker. His .308 expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) suggests bad luck (.208 actual wOBA) is inflating his struggles, but time is ticking for a turnaround. With a 10-game road trip looming, New York needs his lefty bat to balance a right-heavy lineup.

For now, the Mets preach patience. As Mendoza put it: “Jesse’s a pro. When he’s ready, he’ll be back.” But with the Athletics series slipping away, “ready” can’t come soon enough.