Brandon Nimmo exited early with neck stiffness in the opener of a Mets-Nationals tilt, a setback that could ripple through New York's lineup as it fights for a playoff push. Nimmo described a pain level that forced him out to protect the team, leaving a top-of-order bat sidelined and the Mets chasing runs against a tough foe. With Nimmo day-to-day, Carlos Mendoza faces the challenge of rebalancing a lineup that relies on his steady presence atop the order while New York juggles rotation and bullpen in tight, late-season games.

The injury underscores the Mets' floor and ceiling dynamics: Nimmo’s .762 OPS, 20 homers and 68 RBIs anchored the offense, and any absence heightens the need for depth and smarter matchups down the stretch. As New York eyes critical series against division rivals, the club will lean on its back-end depth and a cautious, players-first approach to health, mindful that rest and recovery could be the difference in a crowded NL wild-card race.