WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jose Siri was still on crutches Sunday after leaving the previous day’s game with a contusion to his left shin.
The Mets outfielder fouled a pitch off the shin, and although a subsequent X-ray was negative, a day later, Siri was still having trouble putting weight on the leg, according to manager Carlos Mendoza.
“He’s in pain,” Mendoza said before the Mets faced the A’s at Sutter Health Park.
Mendoza wouldn’t rule out the possibility of an injured list stint for Siri, but said the team probably will wait to see how he is feeling Monday.
“With the way he’s feeling right now, I could see this as a potential IL,” Mendoza said.
Tyrone Taylor, who replaced Siri on Saturday, started in center field for the series finale. The Mets have no shortage of outfield options, with Starling Marte, Jesse Winker and Luisangel Acuña as possibilities if needed.
Siri is off to a rough start offensively, producing at a .050/.208/.100 clip, but provides the team with a top-tier glove and speed on the bases.
Mendoza indicated the Mets will likely utilize a sixth starting pitcher during the home series against the Cardinals that begins Thursday. The additional pitcher will allow Kodai Senga to receive extra rest during this stretch of 13 straight days with a game.
Team officials have discussed José Ureña and Justin Hagenman from Triple-A Syracuse as possibilities for the start, but haven’t ruled out the idea of top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat or Blade Tidwell.
On Sunday, Ureña pitched 3 ¹/₃ innings for Syracuse and allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts.
Mark Vientos received a start at DH, giving Brett Baty a start at third base for the first time this season.
Mendoza said he’s trying to manage Marte’s workload, and Winker has battled flu-like symptoms, leading to the decision to utilize Vientos as the DH against Luis Severino.
“[Marte] is a guy in spring training that didn’t play much, but he was healthy enough to make the Opening Day roster,” Mendoza said. “Even though he’s DHing, we are playing 13 [games] in a row, and it’s something we will do throughout the year.”
