Options abound in Mets’ outfield
The Mets outfield is about to be as crowded as Grand Central Terminal at rush hour.
Michael Conforto will return to Queens on Thursday, when rosters expand. The organization’s top hitting prospect, who has struggled in two stints with the Mets this season, will be one of four players vying for two spots, along with struggling newcomer Jay Bruce, Curtis Granderson and Alejandro De Aza.
“He will be in the mix,” manager Terry Collins said after the Mets’ 7-4 victory over the Marlins at Citi Field. “He will get playing time.”
Collins was unclear how everything will sort itself out. Yoenis Cespedes is the one constant in left field. Bruce started in right field Tuesday and De Aza was in center, with Granderson the odd man out. Collins wouldn’t commit to Bruce as his everyday right fielder, with the former Reds slugger producing a .510 OPS in 25 games as a Met.
De Aza is enjoying a solid stretch, having notched at least one hit in his last five starts, while Conforto tore up Triple-A Las Vegas to the tune of a .415/.478/.707 slash line in 32 games after producing .218/.297/.414 with the Mets in 84 games. Granderson, who entered the game in a massive funk, homered twice Tuesday after being used as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and staying in as part of a double switch.
In addition to Conforto, the Mets will call up Ty
Kelly, Kevin Plawecki and Gabriel Ynoa from Vegas on Thursday when rosters expand, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. There will be another round of call-ups on Monday when Las Vegas’ season ends. Shortstop Asdrubal Ca
brera was back in the lineup Tuesday after aggravating his left knee injury Sunday against the Phillies. Cabrera said his knee felt better Tuesday and there was no swelling, though it remained sore. He had two hits, including a two-run, first-inning home run, but was moving gingerly. He came out of the game after the eighth inning, after failing to haul in a line drive with a leap, and felt the knee upon landing.
“I don’t think it’s going away,” he said.
Cabrera had been on fire since coming off the disabled list Aug. 19, hitting .447 (17-for-38) with four home runs and 11 RBIs. The Mets need him, even if there is risk involved.
Logan Verrett was recalled from Vegas to give the Mets another fresh bullpen arm and Rafael Montero was sent back to Double-A Binghamton before the game after his strong start Monday. ... The Mets will host Little League World Seres champion Endwell on Wednesday night. The team from the Binghamton area will watch batting practice on the field and throw out the ceremonial first pitch.