SAN FRANCISCO — Jorge Polanco’s left Achilles is becoming a real pain for the Mets.
After progressing in recent days, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, the first baseman’s ankle discomfort resurfaced on Thursday, removing him from Friday’s starting lineup.
It was the second time in four games that Polanco, who has been used as a DH since Sunday, was absent from the starting lineup.
“I am not going to say concern, but it’s a day to day,” Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Giants. “He’s got days where he feels it more and for the past couple of days he was in a pretty good place until [Thursday] night.”
Polanco hasn’t played first base since last Saturday because of the discomfort, which Mendoza is terming as tendonitis. Brett Baty got the start at the position on Friday, but Mark Vientos and Jared Young have also received starts there.
Mendoza said he’s been pleased with Vientos’ development at the position.
“[Thursday] night the way he moved, a couple of plays there,” Mendoza said. “He’s moving around well, not only when he’s fielding the baseball, but just how he’s receiving the throws. He’s looked really good there.”
David Peterson committed an error fielding a toss from Vientos on a ball that appeared thrown behind the left-hander, and Mendoza indicated it’s part of the “learning curve” for Vientos.
“[Vientos] made a hell of a play there,” Mendoza said. “You have got a moving target and you just continue to practice that.”
Carson Benge received his first career start in Oracle Park’s vast right field, which includes various angles due to the ballpark’s unique layout.
Mendoza said the rookie worked with outfield coach Gilbert Gomez before Thursday’s series opener to become acquainted with the various nuances.
The Mets entered play sixth in MLB and second in the National League with 71 strikeouts by their pitchers.
The team’s 3.02 ERA was sixth in MLB and tied for fifth in the NL.
