Jorge Polanco was in the starting lineup for the Syracuse Mets on Thursday night as he continues his rehab and went yard for the first time.
With the Mets down 1-0 in the first, Polanco launched a 91 mph fastball from Devin Sweet of the Worcester Red Sox, up in the zone over the right-center field wall. The homer went 342 feet and had an exit velocity of 103 mph as Polanco tied the game.
The Mets’ 1B/DH went 1-for-2 with a walk on Thursday. The towering blast was his first hit since he started his rehab with Syracuse back on June 2 (six games).
Before he landed on the IL, Polanco played 14 games with the Mets, going 10-for-56 (.179) with a home run and two RBI. However, his first season in Flushing has been marred by injuries. He was first set back by an Achilles strain, which took away his ability to play first base, and the veteran had to play through the pain. But once he suffered a right wrist strain, Polanco was sent to the IL.
Last week, Polanco said he was feeling “stronger” as he continued his rehab and is able to tolerate the pain he continues to feel in his Achilles.
On the mound for Syracuse on Thursday was Jonah Tong.
The young right-hander wasn’t his sharpest as Worcester put up a run in each of the first three innings. The last two runs came off solo shots.
Overall, Tong pitched five innings, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three batters. This season has been a struggle for Tong. Although Thursday’s performance lowered his ERA to 5.90, he’s still having trouble putting up zeroes. Thursday marked the fourth time in Tong’s last five games that he allowed at least three runs.
Elsewhere on the diamond
-Luis Robert Jr. continued his rehab, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts while playing center field for all nine innings. Thursday was Robert’s second rehab start and is now a combined 1-for-6 with a walk and a double.
-MJ Melendez, who was optioned when Tyrone Taylor returned from the IL, went 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and two strikeouts.
-Ryan Clifford, who will represent the Mets in the All-Star Futures Game in Philadelphia, went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. He’s now hitting .190 with 14 home runs this season.
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