Mets injury update: Michael Cuddyer day-to-day, won't need DL stint

The Mets have no intention of placing Michael Cuddyer on the disabled list, manager Terry Collins said on Wednesday afternoon. Collins labeled the veteran outfielder day-to-day with a sore left knee that caused him to leave Tuesday's game.

Although Cuddyer will sit on Wednesday, he could return as early as Thursday after receiving an injection of cortisone and lubricant. John Mayberry Jr., who likely would have played anyway against lefty Jon Lester, will start in left field tonight.

While the hobbled lineup can't afford any more injuries, Cuddyer hasn't exactly pulled his weight. In the first season of his two-year deal, the 36-year-old is hitting .243/.297/.365 with six homers, a minus-0.1 fWAR and career-high 23.7 strikeout percentage. He has been anything but the offensive upgrade they desired when forfeiting their 2015 first-round draft pick.

Everyone can table the "Will the Mets promote Michael Conforto?" discussions for now, but the Mets don't exactly boast the best track record with such injury matters. Nobody can blame a skeptic who needs to see Cuddyer back in the lineup before believing he's fine.