Trending Now - Mets Plan Roster Changes as Tauchman Faces Surgery for Injury
WHO:
Mike Tauchman, 35, outfielder for the New York Mets
Carson Benge, Mets prospect
Vidal Bruján, Mets player
Craig Kimbrel, 37, reliever for the New York Mets
Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager
Anthony DiComo, Senior Reporter for MLB.com
WHAT:
Tauchman had a .241/.371/.448 slash line across 13 spring games.
Tauchman’s previous knee surgery occurred in September 2025, where he tore the meniscus in his right knee.
Kimbrel is a nine-time All-Star with 440 career saves, ranking fifth all-time and second among active players behind Kenley Jansen.
The Mets' seven bullpen locks are Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, Luis García, Tobias Myers, Huascar Brazobán, and Sean Manaea.
Kimbrel's fastball velocity during Grapefruit League play sat around 93 mph.
Tauchman has a torn meniscus that will require surgery, ending his chances of making the Mets' roster.
Tauchman underwent an MRI exam that revealed the tear.
Kimbrel will not make the Mets' Opening Day roster after a poor spring performance.
Kimbrel allowed three runs in six innings with five walks, two hit batsmen, and five strikeouts during spring training.
The Mets signed Tauchman on February 19th, 2026.
WHERE:
Port St. Lucie, Florida, where the Mets' Spring Training is held.
Clover Park, the location of the Mets' game against the Astros.
WHEN:
Tauchman experienced discomfort on Saturday, March 21st, 2026.
The MRI exam was conducted on Saturday, March 21st, 2026.
Tauchman’s previous knee surgery occurred in September 2025.
WHY:
With Kimbrel out of the picture, left-handers Bryan Hudson and Richard Lovelady are the remaining candidates for the Mets’ last bullpen spot.
Tauchman's injury and subsequent surgery create an opportunity for Carson Benge to secure a spot on the roster.
HOW:
Hudson has struggled this spring, allowing six earned runs over 3 1/3 innings.
Tauchman was hobbled while running out of the box and while pursuing a double during the game.
Kimbrel's performance metrics included a fastball velocity around 93 mph during spring training.
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 21:15 UTC)
In a significant development for the Mets, left-handers Bryan Hudson and Richard Lovelady are now competing for the last bullpen spot after Kimbrel's absence, as he is a nine-time All-Star with 440 career saves. Hudson has faced challenges this spring, allowing six earned runs over just 3 and 1/3 innings, which puts him at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, Tauchman has been performing well with a .241/.371/.448 slash line across 13 spring games, following his knee surgery last September.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 19:14 UTC)
In a tough break for the New York Mets, outfielder Mike Tauchman has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus that will require surgery, effectively ending his chances of making the roster after he experienced discomfort during a game last Saturday. Meanwhile, reliever Craig Kimbrel will also miss the Opening Day roster following a disappointing spring performance, where he allowed three runs in six innings, along with five walks and two hit batsmen. With Tauchman's injury opening up a spot, prospect Carson Benge now has a chance to secure a place on the team as the Mets continue their spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida.