Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. ST. LOUIS Je se Winker started his first game of the season in left field on Sunday and Shawn Kemp Jersey by the afternoons conclusion was receiving an MRI exam. The veteran outfielder departed against the Cardinals with right side discomfort from attempting to throw out a runner at the plate. Winker received an MRI exam on his oblique and was planning Sunday night for a return to New York for further testing. After the Mets losing 6-5 and 5-4 manager Carlos Mendoza said the expectation is Winker will be placed on the injured list before Mondays game in Arizona. Je se Winker catches a fly ball during the Mets game against the Cardinals on May 4. AP The replacement options for a left-handed bat could include Brett Baty, but the infielder has been sidelined since Thursday at Triple-A Syracuse with a sore big right toe, according to Mendoza. Even so, Mendoza said Baty has been working out pregame in recent days. For the nightcap, Brandon Nimmo returned to left field he got a partial rest as the DH in the first game and Starling Marte started in right field. Juan Soto was used as the DH. Explore More Marte was removed after four innings, as was Mendozas plan because the veteran was playing in the outfield for the first time this season. Mendoza was asked if rust may have affected Winker (the teams primary DH) from the physical standpoint of playing the outfield for the first time this season. Hes been doing everything he can to stay ready, doing all the defensive work pregame, Mendoza said. CHECK OUT THE AND Je se Winker hits a sacrifice fly during the Mets game against the Cardinals on May 4. Getty Images Winker caught Nolan Gormans fly ball to medium left field in the third inning and Brendan Donovan beat the throw home. The inning ended with Nolan Arenado caught in a rundown between third and home after Luis Torrens threw to second base. Winker was removed from the game before the Cardinals batted in the fourth. Dedniel Nez was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse before the second game to give the Mets an eighth reliever. Sixth starter Blade Tidwell was optioned back to Syracuse. The right-hander Nez was a key piece of the Mets bullpen last season before he was shut down with forearm tightne s. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! He spent the past month in the minors ramping up and waiting for an opportunity with the Mets. When I got sent down it gave me the opportunity to work on my pitches, Nez said through an interpreter. It also gave me time to get into game shape. Surgery has been recommended for reliever Danny Young, who with an elbow sprain. Young was transferred to the 60-day IL on Sunday, giving the Mets an additional spot on the 40-man roster. Dean Wade Jersey