Luis Robert Jr. (back) takes batting practice

Perhaps more importantly, Robert Jr. played five innings in center field. He’s not able to DH since fellow rehabber Jorge Polanco (Achilles) is there, so the Mets are going to build Robert Jr. up to full games in center field and then have him try to play back-to-back games out there before bringing him back. We assume the Mets are still likely to be cautious with his workload once he does return to big league action, but there’s a chance that the team could have him back in the lineup at some point next week.

Robert has been on the shelf with a herniated disc in his back since late April. The 28-year-old center fielder’s impending return will complicate New York’s outfield mix, especially since rookie A.J. Ewing has been tearing the cover off the ball recently. The logical move would be to allow Juan Soto to get some extra time at DH with Ewing and fellow rookie Carson Benge in the outfield corners once he’s back. He’ll likely require at least a week or two of minor league at-bats to get back up to speed following the lengthy layoff. The durability concerns aren’t going away, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Robert were an impactful fantasy contributor during the second half based on his raw talent and track record.

Robert mentioned on Thursday that he’s been following the trainers’ plan and had “been able to do a little bit of everything, just slowly.” The centerfielder said that, if everything progresses well this week he thinks he’ll “be able to start running out on the field.” Obviously, if he begins running next week, he still has a ways to go to work up to swinging and facing live pitching and then a rehab assignment. It’s unlikely he comes back before August at the earliest.

The procedural move frees up a spot on New York’s 40-man roster and will keep Robert on the shelf until at least late June. The 28-year-old center fielder has been progressing slowly in his recovery from a herniated disc in his back that put him on the injured list on April 30. There is no timetable for his return as he remains shut down from baseball activities. His extended absence gives top prospect A.J. Ewing some additional runway at the highest level.

Mendoza added that Robert will be evaluated by specialists and remains without a definitive return timetable. The 28-year-old center fielder hit the shelf with a herniated disc in his back on April 30. It’ll be rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing playing regularly alongside generational talent Juan Soto in New York’s outfield for the foreseeable future. It’s a considerable lift to Ewing’s immediate fantasy outlook since it appears he’s been brought to the majors to play everyday. He offers enough batting average and stolen base appeal to be an impactful contributor in deeper mixed leagues.

The dynamic 28-year-old outfielder has been shelved since the end of April due to a lumbar spine disc herniation. The Mets are taking a very cautious approach here as they want to ensure that he gets right rather than pushing him too soon and risking further aggravation. There’s still no clear timeline for his potential return.

Robert Jr. hasn’t played in three games, so this always seemed possible. The 28-year-old has played over 110 games only once in his career, and it seems like injuries will be a factor in yet another season for him. The Mets will likely continue to start Tyrone Taylor in center field with MJ Melendez in left field until Juan Soto is healthy enough to be in the outfield. A trade could certainly be in the cards for the Mets if they don’t want this season to get away from them.

Robert remains out of New York’s lineup for the fourth time in their last five games and it sounds like there’s a possibility he’ll get some additional time off to put the issue to bed. There should be a decision on his status prior to Thursday’s series finale agains the division-rival Nationals.

Robert Jr. is dealing with lower back tightness and has missed the last three games. It’s unclear if the Mets will put him on the injured list, but Tyrone Taylor will start in center field and sixth on Wednesday.

Mendoza added that Robert, who is out of the lineup for Tuesday’s contest, isn’t scheduled to undergo imaging, but they may be forced to reconsider if he doesn’t show signs of improvement later this week. A lingering back issue would provide a logical explanation for his recent struggles as he’s hitting .164 (9-for-55) with one homer and 12 strikeouts over his last 15 games. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day heading into the final two games of a four-game set against the Nationals.