After the game, Terry Collins revealed Juan Lagares was scratched from the lineup because he couldn’t close his left hand. At a minimum, it seems like a DL stint is inevitable.
The natural inclination would be for the Mets to call-up Brandon Nimmo. He’s certainly earned the promotion hitting .330/.411/.529 with five homers and 32 RBI. The 23 year old 2011 first round pick appears to be ready for a promotion to the majors. He could take the place of Michael Conforto in the lineup while Conforto waits for his wrist to react to the cortisone shot.
With that said, Conforto is expected back this weekend. Once he returns, it is likely Terry Collins will play him everyday. That will leave Nimmo on the bench which would be detrimental to his development. Nimmo needs to get regular at bats, and that does not appear likely at the major league level.
However, Lagares and Conforto aren’t the only Mets that are ailing. Neil Walker had to pull himself from a game on Saturday. He hasn’t been able to play since. Tomorrow, he is going to see a back specialist to be evaluated. Given the Mets luck lately with Lucas Duda and David Wright, no one should be holding their breath.
With that in mind, the Mets should call-up Dilson Herrera.
Herrera is the second baseman of the future, and depending on Walker’s back, the future may be now. Herrera is hitting .298/.344/.517 with ten homers and 36 RBI. Like Nimmo, Herrera has earned the call-up. Unlike Nimmo, Herrera has some major league experience. Moreover, Herrera doesn’t have an obvious impediment to his playing time.
In Walker’s absence, Collins has had to pick between Matt Reynolds and Kelly Johnson. Both have played well recently, but there shouldn’t be expectations for that to continue. Reynolds is the same player who has hit .230/.291/.360 in the Pacific Coast League, which is about as favorable a hitter’s league there is. Even with his hot streak, Johnson is hitting .239/.298/.341 this year. Herrera should be an upgrade over these players.
Accordingly, Herrera should be called-up to play second until such time as Walker is ready to return. In the interim, Collins can go with either Johnson in left, like he did Wednesday, or Alejandro De Aza, who Collins wants to get more at bats. Herrera can and should effectively man second base until Walker is ready. When that happens, the Mets will do what they always do in these situations:
They will call up Eric Campbell.
However, before that happens the Mets need to call-up Herrera. He’s the best option at second base behind Walker. Additionally, in Wright’s absence, the Mets can judge whether it is time to let Herrera play second while moving Walker to third. This is an option the Mets have internally discussed. They now have a window to see if it is feasible.
It’s time to call-up Dilson Herrera.
Walker is expected to return tonight.
Good article mrmetsdad, as usual! I think that soup ship has sailed! I would say bring up Rivera but he’s on the dl, while hustling to beat out a infield hit.
I agreed we can’t have a bench with three injuried players, dl two or all three and bring up the troops like herera, taijeron, nimmo and see what they can do. The Mets “medical” staff always is slow to dl a injuried player.
On in the alternative play Reynolds at 2nd, as Johnson defense at 2nd is below subpar. Lastly 60day dl wright already he’s not playing this year and sign gurriel!!!
News flash wright undergoes neck surgery, no time table for return. I hear there’s 75% insurance… there’s the $$$ for Gurriel $12m 4yrs!
But was also expected to play Tuesday, should have called Dilson up earlier when Lagares first injured his thumb.
How much money do you think a $20M policy costs?
“With that said, Conforto is expected back this weekend. Once he returns, it is likely Terry Collins will play him everyday. That will leave Nimmo on the bench which would be detrimental to his development. Nimmo needs to get regular at bats, and that does not appear likely at the major league level.” Totally agree here.
Here’s where I disagree. When Wright went down initially, they made a choice of Flores over Herrera. Okay, now stick with that decision and let the process play out. I honestly feel that this team needs more KJ types and better utility players, not children prospects to come up and rot on the bench for a two week cup of coffee while everybody gets healthy.
To be fair to Reynolds you should maybe quote all his AAA stats, not just the ones from 35 games and 152 PA this year.
2014: 301 PA .333/.385/.479
2015: 490 PA .267/.319/.402
His combined 3 year AAA stats: 943 PA .282/.335/.420
Your point stands but I don’t think your characterization of him was fair
Time to bring up Travis Taijeron!!!
Yes yes yes! RH power bat
Few million … I’d love see how the actuaries arrive at that cost
Three years ago contract was probably around 15% to insure. Now I doubt anyone would carry/renew the policy.
I agree the “how” would be fascinating
i hope this was worth the dozen clicks. It’s dated the 16th. and Walker played on the 16th. He missed 5 days and you’re expecting a long term injury? You don’t shuffle players around your system every single time someone gets a rest.