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Before Friday\u2019s game against the San Francisco Giants, the New York Mets predictably sent Luisangel Acuna back to the minors. Used sparingly, they made it clear (again) that he is the odd man out in their group of surplus infielders. Although he managed to survive with the team past the trade deadline, it\u2019s becoming clearer how little faith they have that he\u2019ll be a solution for them at any position.<\/p>\n
Cedric Mullins replaced him on the roster, creating a ripple effect. We didn\u2019t see the full difference with the Mets who decided to go with a righty-heavy lineup against lefty Robbie Ray.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s next for Acuna? It seems like he\u2019ll be a solution in a role they tried to deny him in 2024.<\/p>\n
Acuna\u2019s demotion is the second of the year. He was down for less than three weeks last time which is significant. Recalled to replace Travis Jankowski who had originally taken his roster spot and role, bringing Acuna back to the majors meant saving his final minor league option for next year. The same rules apply right now. As long as he doesn\u2019t stay in the minors for 20 days, Acuna will retain the final minor league option. It\u2019s both important to save for next year\u2019s Mets team as well as anyone who may have a little more interest trading for him in the offseason.<\/p>\n
With this in mind, Acuna is a good candidate to return to the Mets by August 20. Without a doubt, he\u2019ll be assigned the role of speedy super utility player for the month of September.<\/p>\n
Fans wanted Acuna called up as soon as rosters expanded last September. Instead, the Mets went with veteran journeyman Pablo Reyes who isn\u2019t nearly as much of a threat on the bases. His time didn\u2019t last long. The Mets DFA\u2019d him and replaced him with Eddy Alvarez. A back injury to Francisco Lindor eventually led to Acuna getting his opportunity. He made the most of it.<\/p>\n
Although productive enough in April to win NL Rookie of the Month, Acuna\u2019s metrics tell us he has been more lucky than good to even have a .239 batting average. His legs remain the most obvious asset of all with his inability to hit with much authority holding him back from ever stealing too many starts. He started only 3 in July, completing just one of them.<\/p>\n Before Friday\u2019s game against the San Francisco Giants, the New York Mets predictably sent Luisangel Acuna back to the minors. Used sparingly, they made it clear<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":85341,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-85340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n