Mets Overcome More Injuries To Snap Losing Streak

Taijuan Walker and Kevin Pillar joined a long list of Injured New York Mets Players as both were forced to leave Monday Night's 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves which snapped a three game losing streak and propelled the Mets to their 8th win in 11 games.

Walker pitched only three innings, allowing one hit and no runs, before exiting with tightness in his left side.

With the bases loaded in the seventh, Pillar was hit square in the face by a pitch from Jacob Webb The veteran outfielder was knocked to the ground and blood poured from his nose.

Pillar was quickly helped to his feet with towels covering his face as he was escorted off the field. He was taken to an area hospital in order to undergo a CT scan, manager Luis Rojas said.

Braves players, including Webb, watched the frightening scene in shock. As members of the Atlanta grounds crew covered the blood left in the batter's box area, Webb was removed from the game.

The injuries to Walker and Pillar came after the Mets added two regulars to the injured list before the game. Ace starter Jacob deGrom already is on the IL, recovering from right side tightness.

The Mets placed outfielder Michael Conforto and second baseman Jeff McNeil on the 10-day IL with hamstring injuries.

There was no immediate update on the severity of Walker's injury. Right-hander Sean Reid-Foley replaced Walker to start the fourth inning.

Conforto strained his right hamstring and McNeil strained his left in Sunday's 7-1 loss at Tampa Bay.

"We're taking a week-to-week approach with both of these guys," manager Rojas said.

Conforto and McNeil will remain with the Mets while receiving treatment.

Conforto said Monday he had been dealing with other injuries, including a sore calf.

"I felt like I had a good grip on all that stuff and something obviously wasn't right going down to first base and unfortunately it grabbed on me and that's where we're at," he said.

Conforto described the injury as "very, very frustrating."

McNeil missed time last week with cramping in his leg and said Sunday the injuries might be related.

McNeil is hitting .242 with three homers and eight RBIs. Conforto is hitting .230 with two homers and 13 RBIs.

Conforto and McNeil join an injured list that also includes third baseman J.D. Davis, outfielder Brandon Nimmo, reliever Seth Lugo and starting pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Noah Syndergaard, as well as a couple of big league backups in outfielder Albert Almora Jr. and infielder Luis Guillorme.

The Mets purchased the contract of Johneshwy Fargas from Triple-A Syracuse and he started in center field Monday night. Fargas, 26, was making his major league debut.

José Peraza started at second base.

"We're very excited our depth has helped us be where we are today," Rojas said. "We feel pretty strong about our guys coming in tonight to help us against the Braves."

The Mets (19-16) lead the NL East.

New York also recalled outfielder Khalil Lee from Syracuse and transferred Lugo to the 60-day injured list however Rojas says Lugo should be activated when eligible on May 31st.

Photo (Getty Images)


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