The latest news on Michael Cuddyer and his ailing knee sounds like it’s getting worse and not better.
While manager Terry Collins expressed hope that Cuddyer could be in the starting lineup tonight when the Mets open a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the veteran left fielder sounded less than optimistic that would happen.
“I don’t know if I’m confident enough to play a full nine innings yet, that is the issue,” Cuddyer said. (ESPN New York)
What asked if he felt a trip to the disabled list was necessary, Cuddyer responded: “I want it to be better. How? I don’t know. But I want it to be better.”
A trip to the disabled list could pave the way for the Mets to promote prospect Michael Conforto, but on Monday Collins sounded as though that wouldn’t be the case, telling reporters that in the likelihood Cuddyer ends up on the disabled list, “the team will likely add an outfielder from Triple-A.”
That said, there are several reports that the Mets have softened their previous stance of not promoting Conforto, and are now prepared to do so as soon as today according to Andy Martino of the Daily News.
Conforto is batting .321 for Double-A Binghamton, with five homers and 26 RBIs in 44 games since his promotion from Single-A St. Lucie.
Cuddyer took a new oral medication on Monday, but says there’s been no discernible improvement.
“I don’t know. I can’t really tell. Going from last night, it didn’t feel great on the basepaths.”
Cuddyer also explained that playing first base instead of leftfield would not improve matters for him because it would be just as stressful on his knee.
Sandy Alderson signed Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million deal last winter and forfeited a first round pick for him. There’s talk of significantly reducing his role whether he lands on the DL or not.
FanGraphs did a comprehensive analysis of the situation and concluded that Conforto will likely not give the Mets the boost they are looking for.
“Based on the history, Conforto would probably debut as a slightly below-average hitter. A slightly below-average hitter, without much in the way of defensive value. Perhaps that experience would be good for Conforto in the long run, but given the reality of things, it does seem like the Mets would be better off swinging a trade, assuming the price isn’t too bad”
“Will Venable, I have to imagine, projects better than Conforto would. Ditto Parra, in the short-term. Conforto is the long-term asset, but the Mets also want to be able to win now. Maybe Conforto would be that guy, but it seems more probable he isn’t.”
One way or another, I believe the Mets will make a decision before tonight’s game when they will face Clayton Kershaw to open up a critical series against the Dodgers at Citi Field.
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