The Mets lose another starting infielder to a season-ending injury

By Chris Bahr
Published

The Mets’ resilience will be tested even more in September now that second baseman Neil Walker is headed for season-ending back surgery.

Manager Terry Collins provided that somber news following Wednesday’s 5-2 win over the Marlins, and Walker made it official Thursday. He has been battling a herniated disk, and the discomfort apparently has become too much to endure. Walker, who will be a free agent after this season, last played Aug. 27.

Acquired from the Pirates during the offseason, Walker is hitting .282/.347/.476 with 23 homers and 55 RBI in 113 games this season. He joins third baseman David Wright, first baseman Lucas Duda and right-hander Matt Harvey as key contributors who have suffered season-ending injuries in 2016. In addition, starting pitchers Steven Matz, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard have been dealing with assorted ailments.

However, all of the aches and pains haven’t slowed New York of late. Winners of nine of their past 11 games, the Mets have moved within 1 ½ games of the second wild-card berth in the NL.

Kelly Johnson is expected to get the bulk of the playing time at second base in place of Walker, with Wilmer Flores and Ty Kelly also in the mix.