Why Keith Hernandez is missing from SNY Mets broadcasts, and when he's coming back originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets are struggling, and Keith Hernandez isn't in the booth to provide his thoughts.

The long-time SNY color commentator hasn't been on broadcasts lately, and while that's not an actual explanation for the Mets' rough patch, it certainly hasn't helped the vibe for fans watching from home.

The good news is that Hernandez is nearing his return.

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Why isn't Keith Hernandez on SNY for Mets games?

Hernandez is absent due to back surgery.

He had his surgery on Tuesday, April 10.

During the Sunday, April 26 broadcast, SNY showed a cartoon of Hernandez in bed after surgery watching the Mets on a TV.

Hernandez has been a color commentator with SNY since it launched in 2006.

This is his 21st season in the booth, where he is usually alongside Gary Cohen and Ron Darling.

Before his time in broadcasting, Hernandez played 17 seasons in MLB between the Cardinals, Mets and Indians.

He was a career .296 hitter with 2,182 career hits.

Hernandez shared 1979 NL MVP honors with Willie Stargell and was a five-time All Star. He hit .344 that season.

He also won two World Series rings, one with the Cardinals and one with the Mets.

Hernandez may be most remembered for having won 11 Gold Glove awards at first base.

His No. 17 is retired by the Mets.

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When is Keith Hernandez coming back?

Cohen announced during Sunday's game that Hernandez's expected return date is Monday, May 4.

That's the opener of a Mets series in Colorado against the Rockies.

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