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Mets Fans Turn on Polanco: Boos Erupt as Nightmare Deepens
Mets News Roundup: Polanco Struggles, Stock Shines, and Roster Shuffles
Welcome to your Mets update! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just learning the game, we’ll break down everything that happened on August 2, 2026, in simple terms. Think of this as your friendly neighborhood guide to the latest Mets happenings.
The Big Story: Jorge Polanco’s Tough Time at the Plate
What’s Happening?
Jorge Polanco, the Mets’ second baseman, is having a really hard time hitting the baseball lately. It’s been so noticeable that the home crowd at Citi Field actually booed him after he struck out in the 9th inning of Sunday’s game against the Miami Marlins.
By the Numbers (Since Coming Back July 7)
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 15 |
| Hits | 4 |
| At-Bats | 51 |
| Batting Average | .078 (that’s 4 divided by 51) |
| Home Runs | 0 |
| Doubles | 1 |
| Walks | 3 |
| Strikeouts | 18 |
Important Point: Among all players with at least 50 plate appearances since July 7, no one has been less productive than Polanco. A "plate appearance" just means every time he steps up to bat, whether he gets a hit, walks, or makes an out.
What the Coach Says
Interim manager Andy Green (the guy making the in-game decisions right now) explained it like this:
"It’s fair to assume, with as much time as he missed, he’s still working back his timing and at the same time, getting to a base where he’s comfortable and confident with his hitting. The results have not materialized."
Translation: Polanco was injured for a long time. Now he’s back, but his "baseball timing" — that split-second rhythm between seeing the pitch and swinging — isn’t there yet. He’s pressing (trying too hard), and the hits aren’t falling.
The Plan: Hit the Road
Green thinks a change of scenery might help:
- The Mets are going on a road trip (playing games in other teams’ stadiums)
- Green hopes "getting him away from Citi Field will do the trick"
- They’ll try "early hitting" sessions before games to jump-start his confidence
The Bright Spot: Robert Stock’s Dream Comeback
Who is Robert Stock?
A 36-year-old right-handed pitcher (throws with his right hand) who hadn’t started a Major League game since 2021 — that’s five years ago!
The Comeback Story
- Spring 2026: Had surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome (a condition where nerves/blood vessels near your collarbone get compressed — really bad for a pitcher!)
- Months of rehab: Couldn’t even lift his arm above his head at one point
- August 2, 2026: Made his first MLB start in 5 years against the Marlins
How He Did
| Innings | Runs Allowed | Pitches Thrown | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 | 70 | Strong outing! |
Important Point: Manager Andy Green actually managed Stock years ago when they were both with the San Diego Padres. Green called the performance "really impressive" — high praise from someone who knows him well.
Stock’s Own Words
"To think about where I was a couple months ago, when I couldn’t lift my arm above my head, to be at Citi Field is as much of a dream come true as could be."
What’s Next? Green said Stock "will be in the conversation" for another start in the rotation (the group of 5 starting pitchers who take turns every 5 days).
Roster Moves: The Musical Chairs of Baseball
What’s a "40-Man Roster"? Think of it as the team’s "official list." Only 40 players can be on it at once. If you want to add someone new, you have to remove someone else. It’s like a playlist with a 40-song limit!
Sunday’s Shuffling (3 Moves to Make Room)
1. MJ Melendez — Designated for Assignment (DFA)
- Who: 27-year-old lefty-swinging outfielder/first baseman
- Signed: One-year deal this past offseason
- Stats this year: .665 OPS (a combined measure of getting on base + power), 4 home runs in 144 plate appearances
- Why: Rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing passed him on the depth chart (the team’s ranking of players by position)
- Where he’s been: Triple-A Syracuse since late June
2. Kevin Herget — Also Designated for Assignment
- Right-handed relief pitcher (comes in late in games)
3. Jonathan Pintaro — Optioned to Syracuse
- What "optioned" means: Sent down to the minor leagues but stays on the 40-man roster. He can be called back up later.
Important Point: The Mets needed TWO spots on the 40-man roster for:
- Robert Stock (the pitcher who just started)
- Bryce Conley (another right-handed pitcher)
New Face: Shawn Ross, Catcher
The Move
- Claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates
- What "waivers" means: The Pirates tried to send him to their minor leagues, but had to offer him to all 29 other teams first. The Mets said "we’ll take him!"
Who is Shawn Ross?
- Age: 26
- Position: Catcher (the guy squatting behind home plate catching pitches)
- 2026 MLB Experience: 2 games with Pittsburgh before being DFA’d last week
- Most of 2026: Split between Double-A and Triple-A (middle and upper minor leagues)
The Cost
To make room for Ross, the Mets designated Joey Gerver for assignment (another catcher in their system).
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Jorge Polanco | Struggling badly since returning from injury (.078 average, 18 K’s in 15 games). Team hopes road trip helps. |
| Robert Stock | 36-year-old made emotional, successful return after 5 years and major surgery. May start again. |
| Roster Moves | Melendez & Herget DFA’d, Pintaro optioned to make room for Stock & Conley. |
| New Catcher | Shawn Ross claimed from Pirates; Joey Gerver DFA’d to make space. |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "Designated for Assignment (DFA)" actually mean?
A: It’s baseball’s version of "you’re cut, but we have 7 days to figure out what’s next." The team removes the player from the 40-man roster. Within 7 days, they must either trade him, release him (let him go free), or send him to the minors (if he clears "waivers" — meaning no other team claims him).
Why would the crowd boo their own player?
A: Frustration! Fans pay money and invest emotion. When a highly-paid veteran (Polanco makes millions) goes 4-for-51 with lots of strikeouts, fans vent. It’s harsh, but common in big markets like New York.
What is "thoracic outlet syndrome" and why is it career-threatening for pitchers?
A: Imagine a highway tunnel (the space near your collarbone) where nerves and blood vessels travel to your arm. If that tunnel gets too narrow (from muscle, bone, or posture), signals get pinched. For a pitcher who needs perfect arm control and velocity, this is devastating. Surgery clears the tunnel, but recovery is long and uncertain.
What’s the difference between "optioned" and "DFA’d"?
A:
- Optioned: Player has minor league "options" left (usually 3 years worth). Team sends them down but keeps them on the 40-man roster. Can recall them anytime.
- DFA’d: Player is removed from the 40-man roster entirely. Team has 7 days to trade/release/waive them. Much more serious.
Why claim a catcher (Shawn Ross) who only played 2 MLB games?
A: Catcher depth is gold in baseball. Catchers get hurt a lot (foul tips, collisions, wear and tear). Having a 26-year-old with some MLB experience ready in Triple-A is smart insurance. Low risk, potential reward.
Final Thought
Baseball is a game of adjustments and second chances. Polanco needs to adjust his swing and mindset. Stock got his second chance after years away. Melendez and Herget now wait for their next opportunity. And Ross? He just got a fresh start in a new organization.
That’s the beauty of this sport — every day brings a new box score and a new story.
Want to follow along? The Mets’ next games are on the road — exactly where Polanco hopes to find his groove, and where Stock might make his next start!
