Mets' Pete Alonso injured vs. Dodgers, Edwin Díaz placed on IL - ESPN

NEW YORK — The New York Mets, mired in a nightmare season spiraling out of control, were walloped with a one-two punch minutes apart Wednesday afternoon.

First, the club placed struggling closer Edwin Díaz on the injured list with a shoulder impingement moments before first pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Then came the second blow: All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso exiting the series finale in the first inning when he was hit on the right hand by a pitch.

Alonso took a 93 mph fastball from Dodgers left-hander James Paxton while checking his swing, instantly falling to his left knee upon impact. He walked down to first base but exited the field with a trainer moments later.

The Mets said they'd provide an update on Alonso after he undergoes tests.

A free agent this winter, Alonso, 29, has been the best hitter for an anemic Mets offense, with a team-leading 12 home runs and a .758 OPS. He is a prime candidate for the Mets to trade by the July 30 deadline should president of baseball operations David Stearns choose to sell, though a significant hand injury could complicate the endeavor.

The Mets entered Wednesday 22-32, having lost seven of their past eight games.

«Nothing's changed with Pete's situation,» Stearns said Tuesday. «Our goal is, on a daily basis, to help this team succeed as much as possible so we can win as many games as possible.»

Díaz has been one of a few core veterans underperforming for the Mets this season.

The two-time All-Star was charged with one earned run in his first 10 appearances this season before April 29, but it has been a disaster since then. In his last 10 games, Díaz has surrendered 11 runs on 14 hits in 10⅓ innings.

He blew his fourth save in three weeks Saturday against the San