Pattern of botching injuries an Amazin’ disgrace

Step right up and meet the mess. The Mets are infamous for losing — and their bad luck often runs off the diamond and into the club house. One of most popular discussion topics that comes up with the team is the frequent injuries of star players and the mismanagement of them by the team’s medical staff. In light of Noah Syndergaard becoming the latest victim (also due in part to his own stubbornness), here’s a look at other recent Mets medical woes:

NOAH SYNDERGAARD

Thor is the latest example of the Mets mishandling an injury. Despite the fact it was recommended that Syndergaard get an MRI after his Thursday start was scratched due to biceps tendinitis, the pitcher refused to get one. Syndergaard started against the Nationals Sunday and lasted just 1.1 innings when he grabbed his side in pain. His MRI Monday revealed he has a partial tear. The situation could have been avoided if Syndergaard said yes to the MRI and the Mets made sure their ace pitcher had one.

YOENIS CESPEDES

Cespedes had missed three games after feeling a “shock” in his hamstring during an April 20 game, but returned before he should have last Wednesday. Despite looking like he was in pain in batting practice the day before, Cespedes started Thursday’s game but had to leave early after limping halfway to second on a double.

The outfielder then hobbled off the field and was placed on the disabled list. Although it’s not severe, the fact the team put him out there before he healed is mind-boggling.

IKE DAVIS

After a successful 2010, Davis started off 2011 on the right foot until it was twisted the wrong way. Davis sprained his left ankle after colliding with David Wright. Davis ended up being misdiagnosed by the team and cartilage damaged was missed, according to an ESPN New York report. Davis was placed in a boot following the strain that ended up slowing down his healing. Davis never returned to form and he was eventually traded to the Pirates in 2014.

J.J. PUTZ

When Putz arrived to the Mets in 2008, he claimed the team never gave him a physical until spring training even though they acquired him in December. The physical would have detected a bone spur that was discovered when he was on the Mariners.

Instead of having the pitcher have surgery to remove the spur, the team gave him a cortisone injection. He’d later tear his UCL and miss the rest of the season.

JOSE REYES

Reyes rolled his ankle on a dirt cutout near second base in a 2004 game against the Expos. Instead of taking the shortstop out of the game, manager Art Howe left Reyes in. In his next at bat, Reyes further aggravated the injury and had to be held out of the lineup for over a week. Following the game, Howe shared his brilliant logic of “Sometimes, you've just got to spit on it and let’s go.”

It’s no wonder he only lasted two seasons as manager.

BILLY WAGNER

During the 2008 season, Wagner started having elbow discomfort during a simulated game in Pittsburgh. A Mets executive reportedly called the pitcher a wimp following the complaints. It would later be determined that Wagner needed Tommy John surgery. He’d have the surgery and would miss a year. Maybe they should have been more concerned with his health instead of suggesting he wasn’t tough enough.