The New York Mets could be getting their former starting center fielder back in the near future.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com first reported Monday that outfielder Luis Robert Jr. will begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday for Triple-A Syracuse. Robert has been on the injured list since April 30 due to a lumbar disc herniation.
New York acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox in the offseason with the expectation to be their starting center fielder. Despite slowly ramping him up throughout spring training and beginning this season healthy, injuries once again struck the 28-year-old.
Prior to being placed on the IL, Robert was slashing .224/.327/.329 with two home runs, eight RBI and an OPS of .656 in 24 games.
Injuries were always a concern for Robert, which is why the Mets didn't opt to acquire him during last year's trade deadline. Over the last two seasons, Robert has dealt with both a hip and hamstring injury. Prior to those seasons, he was selected to his first All-Star Game in 2023 and slugged a career-high 38 home runs, totaling 80 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 145 games. Robert also placed 12th in the AL MVP voting.
While Robert does seem on the verge of returning, his future with the Mets is certainly in question, given that rookie A.J. Ewing has blossomed in center field since being called up back in May, as well as Tyrone Taylor (right hip flexor strain) recently being activated from the IL.
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Even if New York decides to sell at the trade deadline, it may be difficult to find a trade partner for Robert, given his injury history and salary (making $20 million in 2026). Still, the outfielder is hoping that if his rehab goes smoothly, he could return to help the Amazins' in any capacity.
The Mets begin a three-game series on Monday north of the border against the Toronto Blue Jays, having lost eight out of their last 10 and remain in last place in the NL East at 35-49.
