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The New York Mets finally have movement on Jorge Polanco. It comes at a moment when the lineup cannot afford another unknown.

Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed to SNY that Polanco will take batting practice and begin fielding ground balls. That update signals a shift from recovery to baseball activity. It also sets the stage for a decision the Mets must get right.

Polanco is not just another injured player. He was expected to stabilize first base and lengthen the lineup. His absence has forced constant adjustments and exposed how thin the margin has become.

Mets Begin Polanco’s Ramp-Up Phase

GettyJorge Polanco #11 of the New York Mets looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Polanco’s progression marks his first real step toward a return since landing on the injured list in mid-April with a wrist contusion.

New York will not rush the process. The plan remains to reintroduce him as a designated hitter before increasing his defensive workload. That approach reflects more than caution. It reflects the reality of multiple issues affecting him at once.

He has dealt with wrist discomfort. He has also managed lower-body concerns that limited him early in the season. Those factors shaped both his availability and his performance.

Polanco appeared in only 14 games before going on the injured list. He hit .179 with a .532 OPS during that stretch. Those numbers highlight the impact of playing through physical limitations.

The Mets now need to determine how quickly he can contribute without risking another setback.

First Base Instability Raises Stakes

GettyJorge Polanco #11 of the New York Mets runs during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on March 29, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

While Polanco has been out, the Mets have rotated options at first base. Mark Vientos and Brett Baty have handled most of the workload. Jared Young also saw time before his own injury.

No option has locked down the position.

That instability has affected lineup consistency. It has also forced the Mets to adjust roles across the roster. The designated hitter spot has become part of that equation as well.

Polanco’s expected return as a DH creates another layer to manage. It affects how the Mets deploy other hitters. It limits flexibility in a lineup already dealing with injuries.

This situation goes beyond one position.

The Mets built part of their offseason plan around Polanco’s ability to handle first base and provide steady offense. His delayed ramp-up means that the plan remains incomplete.

New York is not operating with long-term patience. Their record has already created pressure to produce immediate results. Polanco’s return offers a chance to restore structure. It also introduces a decision point on how to balance health with urgency.

The team must evaluate whether he can handle defensive duties in the near future. It must also assess how his bat fits into a lineup that has struggled to generate consistent production.

The Mets will continue to monitor Polanco’s progression over the next several days. The next step will likely involve simulated game action or a rehab assignment.

What follows will define how quickly he can impact the major league roster.

The timeline matters. The role matters. The outcome could shape how the Mets approach the next phase of their season.