Bummed out
Bruce misses another game thanks to ailing buttocks/hip
DENVER — Jay Bruce was in Monday’s lineup, scheduled to hit seventh, until he informed Mets officials his sore buttocks/ hip was again an issue.
The veteran outfielder was scratched from the lineup against the Rockies, marking his fourth missed start in five games.
Bruce downplayed the idea he could be headed toward a disabled list stint.
“[The discomfort] only happens sometimes with certain movements and stuff,” Bruce said. “I tend to try not to listen to my body very much when I feel that, because I feel if I can play, I can play.”
Bruce started Sunday in Arizona and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
“I don’t want to be a situation where I miss a ton of time,” Bruce said. “I try to leave those decisions up to them mostly.”
Mickey Callaway indicated that Bruce tried to talk his way into the lineup, but the manager thought it was a better idea not to push the situation.
“I just tried to make the decision for him,” Callaway said. “He is just such a team guy so it’s hard for him to understand he might need a rest.”
Bruce has slumped badly at the plate, posting a .613 OPS after signing a threeyear deal with the club in the offseason worth $39 million.
“I think this has definitely affected him, looking over everything,” Callaway said. “Talking to him a little bit further, understanding a few more things, it seems like this had had its toll.”
Jose Bautista replaced Bruce in right field.
Noah Syndergaard played catch for the first time in more than a week and will likely continue his throwing progression in the coming days, according to Callaway, as the righthander looks to return from a strained ligament in his index finger.
Yoenis Cespedes may try “ground-based stuff ” to get him on his feet beginning Tuesday in Port St. Lucie. Cespedes, who is rehabbing a strained hip flexor, has been receiving physical therapy, but has not been involved in baseball activities.