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Carlos Mendoza walks off the field with a trainer during a game against the Phillies.

On Monday, the New York Mets announced several roster moves, including the signing of relief pitcher Dicky Lovelady, formerly known as Richard. Veteran outfielder Travis Jankowski was promoted from Triple-A Syracuse, as well.

In corresponding moves, the Mets optioned right-hander Tyler Zuber and second baseman Luisangel Acuña to Triple-A Syracuse. Outfielder Jose Siri was transferred to the 60-day injured list with a left tibia fracture.

Acuña, the younger brother of Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña, played 65 games with the Mets before Monday’s demotion.

Possible Reasons for Acuna’s Demotion

After sending catcher Francisco Alvarez to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, the New York Mets have shown they are not afraid of giving more time for the younger players to develop in the minors.

Acuña has made 33 starts for the Mets at second base this season, receiving considerable playing time over Jeff McNeil at the position. While Acuña proved valuable with his speed, stealing 11 bases in 12 attempts, he provided well below average production at the plate. He slashed .241/.293/.283 with a .576 OPS and a respectable 18.4 percent strikeout rate in 158 plate appearances. Still, it was hard for Acuña to provide value with his legs without reaching base at a high clip.

“Acuña got the start on Sunday in Philadelphia, but it was his first in a week, and the Mets likely want the 23-year-old to get more playing time,” the New York Post’s Dan Martin wrote Monday afternoon.

“Jankowski can serve as a pinch-runner if necessary, and the Mets still have Ronny Mauricio and Brett Baty as infield options.”

How Jankowski’s Skillset Can Help Mets

Jankowski, 34, played 43 games with the New York Mets in 2022 and became a World Series champion with the Texas Rangers in 2023. In 2025, he played seven games with the Chicago White Sox before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations.

As Martin detailed, Jankowski can serve as the Mets’ primary pinch runner or fourth outfielder. He hit .258/.294/.323 with a .617 OPS in his short 14-game stint with the Rays before clearing waivers.

The Mets may designate Jankowski for assignment once third baseman Mark Vientos returns from the injured list with a hamstring strain. According to Martin, manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that the Mets may consider keeping Vientos at Triple-A Syracuse for a few more days to give him more at-bats during his rehab assignment.

Does Lovelady’s Signing Affect the Mets’ Trade Deadline Plans?

Even with the addition of Lovelady to the New York Mets’ bullpen, the club should be active in the trade market leading up to the July 31 deadline.

“The Mets have been seeking left-handed help ever since losing A.J. Minter and Danny Young to season-ending injuries in April. They are likely to continue looking for assistance in the weeks leading up to the July 31 Trade Deadline,” MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo wrote Monday.

“A six-year veteran of five big league teams, Lovelady was most recently pitching at Triple-A for the Twins organization before opting out of his contract. The Mets subsequently scooped him up as a complement to Jose Castillo, the only left-hander currently in their bullpen.”

A few Left-handers rumored to be in trade discussions this summer are Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox and Caleb Ferguson of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Conor Liguori is a sports journalist covering the MLB for Heavy Sports. Conor has covered professional baseball leagues like the KBO, NPB, CPBL, and the LBPRC in Puerto Rico. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. More about Conor Liguori