PHOENIX — The Mets’ depth will be tested yet again.
Jonathan Villar is the latest worry, after the versatile infielder — who has settled in at third base in recent weeks — departed the Mets’ 7-6 victory over the Diamondbacks with right hamstring tightness.
Jose Peraza shifted to third base, with newcomer Travis Blankenhorn inserted at second. Villar, the team’s leadoff hitter, will be evaluated before Thursday’s game in San Diego, according to manager Luis Rojas, but was showing full range of motion and strength in the leg upon initial examination.
Villar has been a productive piece in the Mets’ lineup, with a .737 OPS, playing every day with J.D. Davis, Jeff McNeil and Luis Guillorme on the injured list, among others.
Davis’ still bothersome left hand hasn’t progressed nearly as quickly as the Mets might have hoped.
After restarting his swinging last weekend, the third baseman has backed off in recent days, according to Rojas, because of discomfort. Rojas indicated a minor league rehab assignment still isn’t imminent for Davis, who was placed on the injured list on May 2 with a left hand sprain.
“We keep treating him and there is still some discomfort there when we try to ramp up,” Rojas said. “I think it was mentioned that the rehab assignment might have started again [Tuesday], but it’s not going to happen. It’s not going to happen in the next couple of days either.”
Davis, Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto and McNeil are the key members of the lineup on the IL. This week, the Mets returned Pete Alonso, Kevin Pillar and reliever Seth Lugo from the IL.
Lugo allowed one run on three hits over two innings in his season debut. The right-hander entered in the fifth, behind Robert Gsellman, and worked a scoreless frame before the D’backs tied the game against him in the sixth.
“I’ve been building up to this since February, so it’s exciting to get back out there and help the team win,” said Lugo, who underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. “More importantly I felt real good out there.”
Lugo, who was activated before Monday’s game, said he was anxious to get the ball.
“I was hoping to pitch that first game and [Tuesday] night I was hoping to get in there, but finally I got in today,” Lugo said. “It’s been anxious.”