MILWAUKEE — It’s doable that Luisangel Acuña’s magical September has ended early, however supervisor Carlos Mendoza believes the prospect can carve out a brand new area of interest.
As Francisco Lindor returned to the highest of the lineup and shortstop Friday, Acuña was out of the lineup.
“He’s going to proceed to be an enormous a part of the crew transferring ahead,” Mendoza mentioned of Acuña earlier than the Mets’ 8-4 loss to the Brewers at American Household Subject.
Mendoza mentioned he might envision Acuña pinch-running, getting into as a defensive alternative or getting at-bats in opposition to an opposing lefty.
However David Stearns acknowledged the Mets will play their finest lineup as a lot as doable for the ultimate dash of the season — and that lineup contains Lindor at shortstop and Jose Iglesias at second, Stearns mentioned.
Lindor, who went 2-for-4 with a stroll in his return to the lineup, had missed eight straight video games with again discomfort, which opened the door for a prime prospect who made a direct impression.
After a statistically unimpressive season with Triple-A Syracuse, Acuña hit .375 with three house runs in his first 10 main league video games.
The Mets might strive Acuña, who can play both center infield spot, at second base and transfer Iglesias to 3rd whereas asking Mark Vientos to DH.
Typical designated hitter J.D. Martinez has largely struggled all month.
Mendoza didn’t endorse or shoot down the notion, merely praising the flexibility Acuña affords, which permits the supervisor loads of choices.
Acuña additionally had performed 31 video games in heart subject with Syracuse.
Mendoza mentioned he would solely strive Acuña on the spot within the closing video games of the season in an emergency scenario, comfy with Harrison Bader, Tyrone Taylor and Brandon Nimmo as his heart fielders.
Barring a Lindor setback, Acuña doesn’t look like an everyday anymore, however Mendoza believes Acuña nonetheless can have a task.
“Having a chunk like that’s essential,” Mendoza mentioned.
