Report: Mets' Walker Has Herniated Disc, But Expected To Avoid DL
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Mets second baseman Neil Walker has reportedly been diagnosed with a herniated disc in his back that is causing weakness in his lower body.
Doctors believe Walker can play through the issue, although he may need occasional days off to make it through the season, MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reported Wednesday.
According to DiComo, the disc is causing a tingling sensation in Walker's foot. The second baseman is receiving a second opinion, the report said.
It's the latest blow to the hard-luck 2016 Mets, whose disabled list includes pitchers Matt Harvey, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler, third baseman David Wright, first baseman Lucas Duda and outfielder Juan Lagares.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters Wednesday he does not plan to shut down Matz, who has a shoulder injury, down for the rest of the season, Newsday reported.
Walker has proven to be one of the Mets' most dependable players this season. The seven-year veteran, whom the Mets acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh in the offseason, is batting .282 and has matched his career high with 23 home runs. He has been particularly hot since July 27, hitting .440 with seven homers.
He has not played since Saturday.
The Mets are 68-64 and trail St. Louis by 2½ games for the second wild-card spot in the National League.
New York announced Wednesday that it is recalling outfielder Michael Conforto, catcher Kevin Plawecki, utilityman Ty Kelly and pitcher Gabriel Ynoa as part of its September call-ups. Four more players are expected to be promoted Thursday.
