New York Mets second baseman Neil Walker is likely going to need for surgery that would keep him out for the remainder of the 2016 season.
Head coach Terry Collins told reporters Wednesday night that Walker is “probably opting for surgery,” per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
BREAKING: Neil Walker is "probably opting for surgery," Terry Collins says. It will end his season. #Mets
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 1, 2016
Walker has been one of the better power-hitting infielders this year when healthy, batting .282 with 23 home runs and 55 RBI.
He was diagnosed with a herniated disc on Wednesday. The injury is causing him weakness in one of his legs, according to Maria Guardano of NJ Advanced Media. He had been grinding out the injury all year, per Collins, and it finally got to be too much of an issue.
There had been some rumors that the injury could potentially be career-ending — a rumor general manager Sandy Alderson quickly squashed.
“The notion that what he has currently is ‘career-ending’ is a fabrication,” Alderson told reporters. “I don’t want people to become too concerned about where we are. I don’t think it’s as serious as it’s been portrayed.”
At this point, however, after seeking a second opinion, it appears the injury is severe enough that he’ll need a significant amount of time to recuperate. And his decision to opt for surgery came as a surprise to the Mets.
Walker's decision for season-ending back surgery came as a bit of a surprise for #Mets. But they do understand. It's career-altering stuff.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 1, 2016
New York is currently nine games behind the Washington Nationals in the National League East and two games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second spot in the Wild Card race.
Losing a player of Walker’s caliber will be a tough blow to absorb.