In a disastrous first inning for the Mets at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday night, Brandon Nimmo left the game with a stiff neck, the team announced. Juan Lagares replaced Nimmo in center field.
As Steven Matz was finally relieved after an awful start, Nimmo also made his way to the dugout with Mets head trainer Brian Chicklo.
Nimmo said after the game that he had been battling soreness all day leading up to the game.
"I had just a little bit of soreness this morning, but it was developiong in the afternoon. Just got it worked on a little bit. Then did eveyrthing normal, took batting practice outside. But then the first swing I felt my neck locked up," he said. "I wasn't able to run really well and turn my head. So yeah I was kind doing my best to get there. At that point I was just trying to fight through it."
Nimmo has been playing better for the Mets recently, collecting a hit in four straight games entering Tuesday. He also has two homers and two multi-hit games during that span as well as he has brought his average up to .241 with eight RBI and three homers on the season.
The extent of Nimmo's injury still appears to be determined.
"I'm not sure exactly what the thought process is, but at this point it seems like it's just the muscle," he said. "For me, just taking it day by day. Not really sure what the protocol is yet."