Mets release veteran Gonzalez
NEW YORK — Looking to spark their stagnant lineup, the New York Mets are making a change at first base.
Slumping veteran Adrian Gonzalez was released following a 2-0 interleague baseball victory over the New York Yankees on Sunday night, and the Mets will recall Dominic Smith from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday when they begin a 10-game road trip in Atlanta.
Gonzalez, 36, who struck out all three times at bat Sunday, hit .237 with six homers and 26 RBIs for the Mets. The five-time all-star was signed for the majorleague minimum in the off-season after fighting a bad back last year with the L.A. Dodgers.
The Mets also announced they plan to call up utility man Ty Kelly from Triple-A on Tuesday.
Reserve catcher Jose Lobaton will be designated for assignment.
Smith, who turns 23 this week, was batting .260 with two homers and 25 RBIs at Las Vegas.
Drafted 11th overall out of high school in 2013, the touted prospect scuffled in the majors as a rookie last season, hitting .198 with nine homers, 26 RBIs and a .658 OPS in 49 games.
He slimmed down over the winter and came to spring training this year with a chance to compete for the starting job at first base.
But he was disciplined early into the training camp for arriving late one day and then he strained a quad, keeping him out of the lineup for most of the spring.
The Mets also could play outfielders Jay Bruce and Jose Bautista at first base. Reserve infielder Wilmer Flores, who often starts at first against lefthanded pitchers, could come off the disabled list during the upcoming road trip.
Flores has been sidelined since May 28 due to a sore lower back.