Mets place Nimmo on IL with hamstring strain, hopes to return this season

The New York Mets' slim playoff hopes took another hit Saturday when outfielder Brandon Nimmo was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, the team announced.

The Mets recalled infielder Travis Blankenhorn from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.

Nimmo exited in the second inning of Saturday's doubleheader opener after appearing to pull up lame while running the bases. New York put him on the IL ahead of the nightcap.

While there's no firm timetable for his return, Nimmo said it's believed to be a mild strain that's keeping him week-to-week for now.

"I'm hoping this is not the end," the 28-year-old said, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. "In my heart of hearts, I do think I'm going to be back his season."

Though he's appeared in just 77 games this season due to injury, Nimmo has been one of the Mets' hottest hitters of late. He had two hits Saturday before departing.

New York, which has battled an array of injuries all season, moved to within 3 1/2 games of the second wild-card spot after beating Washington in the first contest of Saturday's doubleheader.