The Mets didn’t start Cedric Mullins on Friday, but don’t count on it to happen often.
Mullins arrived at Citi Field less than three hours before the San Francisco Giants series opener due to travel delays.
However, after the Mets acquired Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles prior to Thursday’s trade deadline, manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his excitement about using him in center field.
Mendoza stated on Friday that he will have a lot of playing time there.
The Mets tried to secure a center field position that has been somewhat of a revolving door by acquiring Mullins for three minor-league relievers.
Due to Tyrone Taylor’s offensive struggles, utility man Jeff McNeil has recently been given increased playing time. Due to a fractured tibia sustained in mid-April, Jose Siri is still out.
Here comes Mullins, a 2021 All-Star who finished his eight-year career with 101 home runs, 139 stolen bases, and an OPS of.774.
Mullins, 30, stated on Friday, “I think it’s a good fit.” All I’m trying to do is be myself and play the kind of game I know I can. Using my legs, running, stealing bases, playing strong defense, occasionally displaying some power, and bunting are just a few of the many things I do. A tiny bit of everything, please.
Mullins, who swings left, batted.290 in July but is now hitting.229 this season. He has a.738 OPS, 15 home runs, and 14 steals.
Mendoza stated that the manner he runs the bases, [moving] from first to third, is not included in the box score. When you need to get a runner over, get a bunt down. Keeping the double play in order while cutting the ball off in the outfield. He performs well, but there’s more to it than just the numbers.
Mullins’s addition set off a series of events.
The Mets demoted rookie infielder Luisangel Acu to Triple-A Syracuse when they activated Mullins for Friday’s game. Additionally, Taylor is likely to lose playing time with Mullins in the mix, even though he started in center field on Friday.
McNeil is now expected to get the most of his reps at second base, where he started. As a result, rookie infielders Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Mark Vientos will split time at third base.
According to Mendoza, the message is that even if you are not in the lineup, you will most likely receive the game’s biggest at-bat in the sixth or seventh inning.
There are numerous alternatives available at the moment. There is adaptability as well as a recognition that we are here for a specific purpose. We’re counting on everyone to help us achieve the one aim.
Mullins shares the Mets’ expectation that he can assist them in achieving that objective.
returning to the city with a ring. That, in my opinion, is the main point, Mullins stated. Enjoy yourself, but we want titles, and this is a fantastic chance to get them.
After fouling a ball off his right foot three days prior, Juan Soto was back in the Mets lineup on Friday.
After the traumatic event, Soto, 26, left Tuesday’s game in San Diego. Despite imaging results showing no problems, he did not play on Wednesday. Thursday was a day off for the Mets.
Mendoza stated, “We knew that I had a player after the game in San Diego the other day.” Yesterday, I checked with him. He’s all set to depart, no problems.
On the other hand, Francisco Alvarez was not included in the starting lineup on Wednesday due to removing a foul ball from his catcher’s mask.
According to the Mets, Alvarez departed the game in San Diego but passed the concussion protocol.
He should play for us, and we want to make sure he participates in all of the baseball-related activities today, Mendoza stated. To see how he responds, we wanted to give him an extra day to walk about, catch a [bullpen session], do all the defensive drills, and take [batting practice].
