Mets' d'Arnaud (shoulder) has setback in rehab
The Mets will be without starting catcher Travis d’Arnaud for a little while longer.
d’Arnaud, who is currently on the DL with a rotator cuff strain, experienced discomfort in his shoulder while playing catch Saturday, according to ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin. It was the first time d’Arnaud threw since being placed on the DL on April 26.
Manager Terry Collins called the setback “pretty discouraging.” Here’s what assistant GM John Ricco told reporters, via Rubin:
“He described it as much less than what he originally felt,” assistant general manager John Ricco said Saturday. “But, still, his instructions were that if he’s feeling anything in there to stop and then he’ll wait a little bit longer. I’m not sure yet what time frame they’re going to wait. We’ll probably find that out tomorrow when we talk to the PT (physical therapist). He’ll continue to be able to do what he’s been doing, which is some catching drills and hitting. But he won’t throw for a little bit.”
The 27-year-old d’Arnaud has dealt with many injury problems over the years, enough that here has been talk about moving him to a less demanding position, like left field or even first base. Here’s a real quick rundown of d’Arnaud’s injury history:
- 2016: Right rotator cuff strain
- 2015: Fractured right hand, hyperextended left elbow
- 2014: Concussion
- 2013: Foot fracture
- 2012: Partial ligament tear in left knee
- 2011: Missed 13 games in minors with an undisclosed injury
- 2010: Herniated disc
Since taking over as New York’s regular catcher in 2013, d’Arnaud has appeared in only 188 of 325 possible games. Of course, he’s also hit .248/.315/.430 (109 OPS+) with 25 home runs during that time, so he’s been one of the most productive catchers in the game when healthy.
It’s unclear how much Saturday’s setback will delay d’Arnaud’s return. The Mets would not move him to a new position in the middle of the season, and besides, they don’t really have anywhere to move him right now. Shifting d’Arnaud elsewhere in an effort to keep him healthy is something they can explore in the future though.
With d’Arnaud out, the Mets are going with young Kevin Plawecki as their primary catcher. He’s hit .189/.333/.189 (48 OPS+) in the early going. Veteran backstop Rene Rivera is backing him up.
Travis d’Arnaud has been shut down with discomfort in his shoulder. (USATSI)
