Walker has been nagged by recurring lower-back trouble, which has been causing weakness in a leg and numbness in a foot. Collins said the decision to have surgery surprised him.
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“We probably knew a little more than most, just because we have those conversations”, Johnson said.
“We’re certainly very disappointed that it’s come to this”, Collins said. It’s the latest gut-punch for the injury-ravaged Mets, who have also lost David Wright, Lucas Duda, Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler and Juan Lagares to injury.
However, it was reported before Walker received a second opinion that he would (and could) play through it.
Niese was reacquired from the Pirates on August 1, but since has undergone surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee that likely will end his season, too.
The Mets were waiting on a second opinion of Walker’s status, which manager Terry Collins acknowledged could force the infielder to undergo season-ending surgery immediately. The numbness is keeping him from playing.
“I told them we aren’t having any more meetings”, Collins said. “I don’t want people to become too concerned about where we are”. Starter Bartolo Colon allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits and no walks while striking out three over seven innings.
Walker – who has been a key contributor this season, hitting.282 with 23 home runs and 55 RBIs – wasn’t in the clubhouse Wednesday afternoon while it was open to the media, but Collins made it clear how much being absent in a playoff race is bothering Walker. “We have lost some guys, but we’ve talked about it before: A lot of teams have lost guys, so if it has affected or not affected (them), you’re still not going to sit here and talk about it”.
“Massive”, Johnson said about how big of an impact losing Walker for the remainder of the season would be. Neil’s been, not just on the field, but in here, he’s the positive attitude, upbeat, has fun, loves playing the game.
At this point, then, it’s not entirely clear how the problem will impact Walker down the stretch and in his upcoming free agency case.
There had been some rumors that the injury could potentially be career-ending – a rumor general manager Sandy Alderson quickly squashed.
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In place of Walker, Wilmer Flores started at second base and batted sixth.
