Full Breakdown
Bo Bichette’s Absence Highlights Mets’ Injury Woes Ahead of All-Star Break
7/12/2026, 12:04:33 PM
Core Event: Bichette Held Out of Lineup
The New York Mets left infielder Bo Bichette out of the Saturday lineup against the Boston Red Sox, marking the second consecutive day he missed a game. Manager Andy Green cited “overall sore legs” and right-ankle soreness as the reason for the precautionary decision and indicated that the player could remain on the bench through the upcoming All-Star break.
Background & Context
Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets in mid-January, opting to leave the Toronto Blue Jays after seven seasons. The deal includes player options for 2027 and 2028, and the contract can be opted out of after the first or second year. Since joining New York, Bichette is hitting .256 with 10 home runs and 51 RBIs in 94 games. The Mets entered the series with a 40-55 record, last in the National League East, and were slated to visit the Philadelphia Phillies after the break. Because Bichette rejected a qualifying offer from Toronto, the Mets exceeded the luxury-tax threshold and consequently forfeited their second- and fifth-round draft picks this year.
Data & Statistics
- Season line: .256/.299/.377 slash line, 10 HR, 51 RBI, 97 hits in 94 games.
- Last 25 games: .320 average, .351 OBP, .788 OPS, 2 HR, 11 RBI.
- Mets record: 40-55, 5-5 in the last ten games, 21-26 at Citi Field.
- Second baseman Marcus Semien: .214 average, 9 HR, 29 RBI in 80 games; placed on the 10-day injured list June 25, missing 16 games.
Official Statements & Responses
Andy Green described Bichette’s condition as “a day-to-day thing,” noting that the player “felt pain during last weekend’s series in Atlanta” and “fouled some balls off his legs.” Green added that the team will “use the All-Star break to kind of get him a full reset” if the soreness persists. Regarding Semien, Green said the timing of his rehab assignment is “tough” because the Triple-A and Double-A clubs are idle during the All-Star break.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts have highlighted Bichette’s offensive output as below expectations for a $126 million contract. Compared with his career .290 average, his current .256 average is 44 points lower, and his power production (10 HR in 94 games) trails the league average of roughly 23 HR over a full season. The timing of his absence coincides with the MLB Draft, prompting criticism that the Mets’ investment has not yielded the anticipated return and that the team’s draft position has been further compromised.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Social-media users have speculated that Bichette may be dealing with a “bone bruise,” but no official medical report confirms this diagnosis. The Mets have not released detailed imaging or a definitive injury timeline beyond the manager’s description of “overall sore legs” and ankle soreness.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's a day-to-day thing,” — Andy Green, Mets manager
- “If he's feeling great tomorrow we'll get him back out there. If not we'll likely use the All-Star break to kind of get him a full reset.” — Andy Green, Mets manager
- “Only games going on are in the FCL through the All-Star break and I've seen too many of those games in the last few years to feel great about putting our hitters in the batter's box.” — Andy Green, Mets manager (on Semien)
What’s Next
The Mets must decide whether Bichette will suit up for the series finale on Sunday or remain sidelined for the remainder of the All-Star break. Semien’s rehab assignment is expected to begin in early August, pending the break’s schedule. Both players’ health will be pivotal as New York seeks to improve its standing in the second half of the season.
