PHOENIX — Neil Walker is the Mets’ hottest hitter, so it’s only fitting in this season of injuries for the club that he was scratched from the lineup Tuesday night.
The second baseman had stiffness in his lower back, according to manager Terry Collins, who took no chances: Kelly Johnson, who hit a solo homer in the Mets’ 7-5 win over the Diamondbacks, was shifted to second base, with T.J. Rivera inserted in the lineup against the Diamondbacks to play third base.
Walker, who was hitting .455 over his past 19 games with six homers and 14 RBIs, has battled back stiffness throughout his career, including earlier this season.