Javier Baez and the Mets endured a tough Sunday in Philadelphia. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Mets' Javier Baez exits Sunday's game vs. Phillies with apparent hip injury

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/8/21

The New York Mets continue to be hammered by injuries.

Javier Baez exited Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the top of the fifth inning after hitting a ground ball to second base. Instead of running out the play, the 28-year-old stood in the batter's box, grabbing his hip before heading straight to the dugout.

Javy Baez appears to have injured himself on this swing in the 5th inning: pic.twitter.com/wH36rsjy1Z
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 8, 2021

J.D. Davis took Baez's place in the lineup, and Jonathan Villar shifted from third base to shortstop as Davis took over at the hot corner.

If Baez lands on the injured list, it would be a huge blow for the Mets, who are already without star shortstop Francisco Lindor due to an oblique injury. Jacob deGrom, David Peterson, Jose Peraza and Luis Guillorme are also on the IL.

Baez has covered shortstop since being acquired by the Mets at last month's trade deadline, but New York would be forced to get creative again if he misses time.

In eight games since joining the Mets, Baez is 6-for-32 with two home runs and three RBI.

The 2016 World Series champion will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2021 season. It's unclear if the Mets will offer him a contract extension after handing Lindor a 10-year, $341 million deal in April.

New York is second in the National League East with a 56-55 record, 2.5 games behind the division-leading Phillies.

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