BRETT THE FARM
Mets calling up Baty after sizzling start at Triple-A
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Mets will have a new third baseman when they arrive at Dodger Stadium on Monday to continue their West Coast trip.
Brett Baty will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, according to sources, to provide the Mets with what they hope will be a jolt to a stagnating lineup. Baty sizzled in 10 games for Syracuse and Eduardo Escobar has struggled, precipitating the move.
The 23-year-old Baty had a strong spring training with the Mets, but was optioned to the minors near the end of camp for additional seasoning, particularly on defense. But team officials couldn’t ignore his five homers and 1.386 OPS to begin the season with Syracuse.
Baty homered last August against the Braves in his first major league at-bat, but after 11 games underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb.
“Everyone remembers from that Atlanta series the first atbat and the home run, but what
I remember was really good professional at-bats after that,” Brandon Nimmo said. “They didn’t produce hits, but he hit the ball hard and he swung at good pitches and made good decisions, and that is against one of the better pitching staffs we were facing last year, so I was kind of sold on him back then, so for me he didn’t have to prove anything this spring.
“I think he fits right into this mentality that we have and I don’t think it’s going to be too much of an adjustment for him. He’s going to go through his ups and downs, but the kid has an easily repeatable swing that is simple mechanics and there is not a lot of movement and that is going to help him at this level.”
Baty is the second top Mets prospect called up in just over a week. Francisco Alvarez arrived from Syracuse during the last homestand to help fill a need at catcher with Omar Narvaez on the injured list. Alvarez on Sunday was in the starting lineup for a second straight day, his first back-to-back starts with the club since his recall.
Escobar, who arrived before last season on a two-year contract worth $20 million, entered Sunday with a .114/.167/ .227 slash line. The veteran infielder struggled for most of last season before rebounding with a strong September that team officials hoped would serve as a springboard into this year. But too many of Escobar’s at-bats have been non-competitive, and the Mets have scuffled offensively.
“I’m happy for Baty — he deserves it,” Escobar said through an interpreter. “He really listens a lot to all the advice we give him here and I am hoping that when he comes up he’s able to contribute and help the team win games.”
Escobar said he is prepared to help the Mets in whatever role is needed.
“For me, I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Escobar said. “But I have no problem doing whatever the team needs.”