In a move that a large portion of the New York Mets fanbase has been calling for since Dominic Smith got injured and Adrian Gonzalez struggled in Spring Training is finally here.
Jay Bruce is playing first base on Friday night against the Colorado Rockies.
It’s the first appearance of the 2018 season for Bruce at first after playing there 12 games last season. In 91 innings at the position last season Bruce posted 0 DRS and -0.4 UZR.
The move allows Brandon Nimmo and his .294/.478/.529 batting line to be in the Mets lineup. Nimmo is leading off and playing right field.
While the decision gives the Mets less experience at first base with Adrian Gonzalez going to the bench they get a boost in defense in the outfield, Nimmo in a lineup that has struggled and Bruce plays over Gonzalez.
Gonzalez (92 wRC+) has slightly outperformed Bruce (89 wRC+) offensively to this point but given recent trends that is unlikely to continue.
