Mets play it safe, send Flores home
PHILADELPHIA — Wilmer Flores’ barking knees prompted him to take a surprise detour to New York on Wednesday.
The Mets infielder dressed and departed Citizens Bank Park before first pitch against the Phillies, and is expected to be examined on Thursday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.
Flores indicated his knees — particularly his right — have hurt for “a while,” with the discomfort most acute when he is playing defense. Flores last started on Sunday at first base against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
The Mets have been aware of the situation, according to Mickey Callaway.
“Where we are in the season it’s time to get him checked out and make sure we are taking care of him,” Callaway said, adding that he is hopeful to have Flores for Thursday night’s game in Washington. For the second time in three games the Mets will face a National League Cy Young award candidate, with Max Scherzer scheduled to pitch Thursday night.
The Mets’ candidate for the award, Jacob deGrom, is scheduled to pitch on Friday.
Aaron Nola took a nodecision against the Mets on Tuesday, after allowing two earned runs over 5 2/3 innings that included a solo homer by Steven Matz.
Scherzer leads the NL in wins (17), innings pitched (206 2/3) and strikeouts (277). DeGrom leads the major leagues with a 1.78 ERA.
Brandon Nimmo entered play 32-for-93 (.344) with a .479 on-base percentage over his previous 28 games. His 16 walks in September were secondmost in the major leagues. David Newman, the team’s senior vice president, marketing and communications, will be leaving the Mets after the season, according to sources. Newman has held the position since 2005.