Mets pause Jorge Polanco rehab over ankle soreness

The New York Mets have halted Jorge Polanco's minor league rehabilitation assignment due to ankle soreness, further delaying the veteran infielder's return and compounding a frustrating first season with the club. Polanco, who was scratched from a scheduled game with Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, June 6, will return to New York for further evaluation.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said Polanco felt discomfort during a running progression before the game. The setback involves the same left ankle that has been plagued by Achilles bursitis since early in the season. Polanco had been on the injured list since mid-April, initially for a bruised right wrist, but the persistent ankle issue has been the primary obstacle to his return.

The team had initially indicated Polanco might rejoin the major league roster during its weekend series in San Diego, but that timeline was pushed back to allow him more time to build up. Mendoza outlined specific thresholds Polanco needed to meet, including four at-bats as a designated hitter and at least seven innings on defense. With this new setback, his activation is on indefinite hold.

Polanco, 32, signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets in...