Overview
- Manager Carlos Mendoza called the hamstring issue “pretty significant” and said surgery is on the table with an initial timeline of at least eight to twelve weeks.
- If he avoids an operation, the estimate points to a possible return to depth duties around Memorial Day.
- The setback removes him from immediate consideration for the Mets' utility job in camp and shifts focus to non-roster options Vidal Bruján, Jackson Cluff and Christian Arroyo.
- Ronny Mauricio remains a candidate due to his 40-man status, though limited bench at-bats could steer him to regular reps at Triple-A.
- Kessinger, 28, missed most of 2025 with injury after brief MLB time with Houston and later signed a January minor-league deal with New York following a stint with Arizona and rehab.