The Mets returned a key lineup piece Monday but now could be without another.
Jonathan Villar is the latest concern, after he left the Mets’ 1-0 loss to the Braves in Game 2 of a doubleheader with right calf discomfort. Villar doubled in the sixth inning and was slow pulling into second base. Jose Peraza replaced him as a pinch runner. Villar will be evaluated on a daily basis, according to manager Luis Rojas.
Villar’s removal came on the same day Jeff McNeil returned from the IL after a month’s absence. Villar was sidelined earlier this month with a right hamstring strain, but managed to avoid the IL.
After the Mets beat the Braves 4-2 in Game 1 of a doubleheader, the team announced Jeurys Familia — who pitched Sunday in Washington and surrendered one of Kyle Schwarber’s three homers — has a right hip impingement.
Before Game 1, Robert Gsellman was placed on the IL with a right lat tear that will sideline him at least six to eight weeks, according to an industry source.
Yennsy Diaz was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to give the Mets another healthy bullpen arm. Stephen Tarpley was available from the bullpen as the 27th player in the doubleheader.
Gsellman pitched two innings as a starter in Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader in Washington and allowed one earned run. Before that start he hadn’t pitched for the Mets since June 8.
“It’s a tough day losing those two guys,” Rojas said. “We’ve had that throughout the season and it’s been a next-man-up kind of approach where guys come in and join the mindset we have here as a team … they have been throwing the ball well for us, both of them.”
Familia has been used in high-leverage spots, pitching to a 3.63 ERA in 24 appearances.
“He’s been dealing with [the hip] and trying to pitch through and hoping to get better with different stuff, but it’s something that happens,” Rojas said. “Right now he’s got really good stuff — his arm is in such good shape and his stuff is crisp. Let’s see if he can get this right and he can meet us in 10 days or so.”
Gsellman, who has appeared in 15 games this season and pitched to a 3.71 ERA, dealt with a lat tear near the end of the 2019 season. Familia and Gsellman join Dellin Betances and Tommy Hunter among Mets relievers on the IL.
Tomas Nido departed Game 1 after he was struck in the left wrist by a Shane Greene fastball (X-rays were negative). James McCann caught the final two innings and was behind the plate for the nightcap.