Mets Get New Luis Robert Jr. Update After Long Absence
Not much has gone right this season for the New York Mets. Entering play on Thursday, June 11, the Mets sit nine games under .500 with a 29-38 record.
One of the Mets' biggest offseason acquisitions was Luis Robert Jr., who got off to a great start in New York. That momentum came to a halt on April 30 when he landed on the injured list with lumbar spine disc herniation.
To make matters worse, the Mets have provided few updates on his recovery over the past month.
However, before the Mets' series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, Robert finally shed some light on his status. He spoke with reporters and revealed he is starting to feel better and expects to return this season.
Since suffering the injury in late April, Robert has not participated in baseball activities. Instead, he has waited for the pain in his back to subside. Earlier in this homestand, Robert was seen throwing and moving around more comfortably. Now, he hopes to begin running on the field by the end of the week.
"I've been able to do a little bit of everything, just slowly," Robert said. "I think by the end of the week if everything progresses well, I'll be able to start running out on the field."
Luis Robert Jr. says he expects to return this season. Said back has been responding better in recent days so he might be able to run on the field by the end of the week. Doesn't know if issue will fully subside or will be something he will have to play through.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) June 11, 2026
Even after Robert begins running, he will still need a full baseball ramp-up. That process includes dry swings, live swings, and defensive work in center field. He would also need several rehab games before returning to New York. Because of that, it is difficult to envision a return before the end of June or even before the All-Star break.
"We're continuing the plan of the trainers, continue to try to strengthen the back there. As of right now we're just following that plan."
Unfortunately, Robert's injury came as no surprise to many because of his lengthy injury history. The most games he has played in a season came in 2023 when he appeared in 145 games. Outside of that season, he has reached 100 games played just twice during his seven-year career.
In Robert's absence, A.J. Ewing has taken over center field and has quickly become a fan favorite in New York as one half of the "psychopath" duo alongside Carson Benge. When Robert returns, the Mets could give the 28-year-old more time at designated hitter while keeping Ewing in center field.
Despite everything that has gone wrong this season, the Mets still have a path back into contention. New York trails by six games in the National League Wild Card race with more than three months remaining.
As the roster gets healthier, perhaps players like Robert can help spark a turnaround and salvage what has been a disappointing season.
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 12:45 PM.