The New York Mets are uncertain if Brandon Nimmo will be available for Thursday’s pivotal final game of their three-game series against the Washington Nationals. Nimmo left Wednesday’s 5-4 loss early due to a stiff neck, bringing his seven-game hitting streak to an abrupt halt and raising questions about his status for the upcoming matchup.
Nimmo’s Injury and Team’s Assessment
Brandon Nimmo exited the game in the second inning because of neck stiffness, which affected his performance both defensively and offensively. Nimmo commented on his condition, saying,
“Depending on how serious it is, I can tough it out and play through it. But this one was affecting the swing and me running,”
and added,
“I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do on defense. I wasn’t able to look up, so I was being a detriment on both ends.”
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned Nimmo’s history with similar issues and emphasized a cautious approach, stating,
“He’s dealt with this before. It’s usually 24 to 48 hours, we’ll see what we’ve got (on Thursday),”
and clarified,
“But like I’ve said, he’s day-to-day. I don’t know if it’s the same side, but he usually deals with this. He doesn’t (seem) to be too concerned.”
Team Needs Win as Mets Keep Fighting for Wild Card Spot
The Mets are under pressure to maintain momentum while chasing the final National League wild-card position. Starting pitcher Sean Manaea (1-1, 4.78 ERA) will take the mound Thursday against Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore (5-12, 4.04 ERA), setting the stage for a left-hander duel in Washington.
Meanwhile, Mets hitters Brett Baty and Jeff McNeil have been delivering strong performances. Baty hit his second consecutive home run on Wednesday, and McNeil continued a five-game hot stretch, driving in two runs on a double for the second straight day. McNeil’s recent surge features a .429 batting average (9-for-21), five RBIs, and six runs scored over that span.
Match Overview: Nationals’ Resilience and Key Players
Despite the Mets’ offensive efforts, they fell short, losing their 15th game in the last 20 contests. The struggling Nationals, positioned at the bottom of the standings, have embraced their role as spoilers. Contributions from Josh Bell, who homered and driven in two runs, Dylan Crews, who scored twice, and Paul DeJong, who extended his hitting streak to nine games with a double, kept the Nationals competitive.
Sean Manaea carries the responsibility to contain these threats, despite his uneven recent performances. Manaea has recorded several no-decisions in recent starts but has been tagged with a high 7.98 ERA this month, allowing 13 runs over nearly 15 innings, including four home runs. Historically against the Nationals, Manaea is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in five appearances (four starts).
MacKenzie Gore’s Recent Form and Manager’s Remarks
MacKenzie Gore has recovered slightly after a losing streak, posting strong numbers over his last two starts. He allowed two runs on seven hits with 17 strikeouts over 12 innings during those games. Following a no-decision against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he gave up two early runs but retired 16 of the final 18 batters, Nationals interim manager Miguel Cairo commented on Gore’s improvement:
“(In) the first inning, he was a little off,”
Cairo said,
“All of a sudden, he just turned the machine on. He was making pitches, he was getting ahead in the count, and he just pitched really well after that.”
Gore, 26, previously earned a no-decision against the Mets on June 10, allowing two runs over six innings. His career record against New York stands at 1-3 with a 4.29 ERA in seven starts.
What’s Next for the Mets and Nimmo’s Status
The outcome of Thursday’s decisive game will be critical for the Mets as they continue their fight for a postseason berth. The team’s ability to adapt without Brandon Nimmo or rely on his quick recovery could influence their offensive production. The Mets will monitor Nimmo’s condition closely, hoping for a return to form that will bolster their lineup in this crucial phase of the season.