New York Mets center fielder Jose Siri’s 2025 season hit a painful roadblock Saturday afternoon when he fouled a ball off his left shin, crumpling to the ground in visible agony during the second inning against the Oakland Athletics. While X-rays confirmed no fractures, the harrowing incident—and Siri’s inability to walk off the field unaided—has cast serious doubt on his availability for the remainder of the series, leaving the Mets scrambling to fill a critical defensive void.
A bone-jarring blow derails Jose Siri’s MLB season
Siri’s afternoon turned nightmarish in a split second. During his second-inning at-bat, he drilled a fastball directly into his left shin, collapsing instantly as trainers rushed to his aid. The 29-year-old writhed in pain for several minutes before limping to the dugout with assistance, later requiring a golf cart to reach the clubhouse. The New York Mets later diagnosed the injury as a left shin contusion, labeling him day-to-day. However, the visceral reaction and post-injury mobility struggles suggest a longer recovery timeline.
Mets’ center field Dilemma: Who steps in?
With Jose Siri likely sidelined for Sunday’s series finale, manager Carlos Mendoza must pivot quickly. Defensive specialist Tyrone Taylor, who replaced Siri mid-at-bat and took over center field duties, is the immediate fill-in. Veterans Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte also offer experienced alternatives, though shifting either from their corner outfield roles could disrupt the Mets’ defensive alignment.
Taylor, acquired via trade this offseason, brings a reliable glove but lacks Siri’s elite range. Last season, Siri ranked second among MLB center fielders with 16 Outs Above Average, per Statcast—a metric underscoring his value to a New York Mets squad prioritizing run prevention.
Siri’s rocky start in New York
The injury compounds a brutal opening stretch for Jose Siri, who’s batting a dismal .050 (1-for-20) with a .308 OPS since joining the Mets in an offseason trade with Tampa Bay. While his bat has yet to awaken, his defensive prowess (43 homers over the past two seasons) has kept him in the lineup. Now, even that asset is temporarily sidelined.
What’s Next?
The Mets’ medical staff will monitor swelling and bruising over the next 48 hours, but shin contusions often require days—if not weeks—to fully heal, especially for a speed-reliant outfielder. With a four-game set against the Dodgers looming, New York may opt for caution, placing Siri on the 10-day IL to avoid aggravating the injury.
For now, the New York Mets’ outfield depth faces an early test. Jose Siri’s absence strips the team of a defensive anchor, but it also opens the door for Taylor or others to step up. One thing’s certain: until the “day-to-day” fog clears, the Mets will hold their breath.