PORT ST. LUCIE — The next big injury problem for the Mets is Brandon Nimmo.
The outfielder was helped off the field in the fourth inning of Friday’s exhibition game against the Marlins after twisting his right knee while sliding at second base.
Nimmo was trying to break up a double play on Danny Mendick’s ground player, but interference from a receiver was ruled, rendering the play moot.
Nimmo’s tip seemed to get stuck as he slipped into the bag.
He left the field with the help of manager Buck Showalter and the coach.
The injury occurred a day after closer Edwin Diaz underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee.
Diaz was injured during an on-field celebration with Team Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic.
Nimmo withdrew from WBC consideration this offseason after returning to the Mets on an eight-year contract worth $162 million, in part due to health issues.
Nimmo played in the tournament for Italy in 2017 and returned with a hamstring strain that kept him out of the season.