Just when it looked like the New York Mets could start pulling themselves out of a brutal stretch, reality stepped in and not gently. The team’s $2.4 million outfielder, who has been sidelined since mid-April due to a fractured tibia, was originally expected to be back by late June. But the latest update came from the skipper himself, and the return has hit a frustrating roadblock.

Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza did not sugarcoat things when he faced the reporters on Monday, sharing, “He’s scheduled, I think yesterday or today, for another MRI and see where we at, see if it’s healed or not. He still ways to go.” It was not the kind of update fans or the front office expected to hear about Jose Siri.

This setback stings more considering how the injury unfolded. Back on April 12, Siri fouled a pitch off his shin during a game against the Athletics and needed help just to leave the field. Diagnosed with a fractured left tibia, the initial timeline projected a return in 8-12 weeks. However, David Stearns said the bone “had not healed to the Mets’ liking,” so the team shut down Siri from all MLB activities. This is a big blow to a center-field defense that relied largely on his speed and glove.

However, there is a catch—Siri’s early Mets stats were underwhelming at the plate, with just 1-for-20. Yet the star’s value in the outfield was irreplaceable. And in a season where depth is everything, the team may need to scramble again.

Still, with Siri sidelined longer than expected, the team has no choice but to turn the page and begin testing contingency options in center field. This brings us to the next big question: Who is stepping up in his absence?

Mets turn to mix-and-match approach as Josh Siri’s setback forces outfield shake-up

With no clear timeline for Jose Siri’s return, the Mets are taking a “committee” route to fill the gap. Tyrone Taylor appears to be the first in line, stepping in with elite defense but toiling at the plate. Through 16 games, he is hitting just .211 with zero homers and a .536 OPS. While Taylor’s bat is not providing sparks, the Mets value his glove—especially as the team tries to maintain defensive continuity amid the chaos.

However, Taylor is not alone in the mix. The Mets are also looking at former center field mainstay Brandon Nimmo, who carries more offensive experience despite a down year. His .244 average and 13 home runs over 88 at-bats are not eye-popping; however, his comfort in the role adds some stability. Then there is Luisangel Acuña. This is a name to watch. Known for his infield work, Acuña’s been gradually building his resume in center field. His .292 average and six stolen bases in 20 games provide a flash of youth and upside that could earn him a longer look.

That is not all. Jeff McNeil, currently on a rehab stint, is also learning center field to improve lineup flexibility. Mendoza may not have a star to plug in quickly, but he does have options—and he is not afraid to juggle them. As David Stearns highlighted, “It’s who’s playing well, what pitchers we are facing, how we want to structure the lineup.” For now, that lineup could be built from puzzle pieces. Still, it’s a puzzle the Mets believe they can solve.

The Mets’ hopes of snapping out of their slump just took another hit, with Siri’s return now looking further away than expected. As the front office shuffles the outfield pieces and searches for consistency, fans wonder if this patchwork approach will hold.