NEW YORK (AP) — Mets second baseman Neil Walker says he will have surgery for a herniated disk in his back and will miss the rest of the season.
Walker made the announcement before New York played Miami on Thursday night.
Walker has been a steady presence for the NL wild-card contenders all season, batting .282 with 23 home runs and 55 RBIs. Manager Terry Collins often has praised Walker for his production on the field and his leadership qualities in the clubhouse.
The 30-year-old switch-hitter says the success rate for his type of surgery is “very high” and that the recovery period is three months. He says he expects to be able to continue his career at a fine level.
Walker has been trying to rest his ailing back lately, playing a few games and then taking time off. He says doctors told him that his condition wasn’t getting any better that way.
Walker was traded from Pittsburgh to the Mets in the offseason. He is eligible for free agency after this season ends.
The defending NL champions have been hit by a series of injuries throughout the season.
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