After the extra inning loss to the Fish, the Mets made some roster moves in the wake of Wright’s injury. Chin Lung Hu, who did not hit at all, was sent to the minors for the slick fielding Reuben Tejada. Ryota Igarashi was also optioned to Buffalo, as Pedro Beato was activated. Sandy Alderson also said that Nick Evans would be called up later today once David Wright was officially placed on the DL.
Reuben Tejada was expected to spend most, if not all of this season in Buffalo. The main reason for that was two fold. Last season he was over matched at the plate in his rookie season, as he hit just .213 with 1 homer and 15 RBI. The other reason was because the plan was for him to play shortstop all season as insurance for the Reyes situation. Tejada has played well in Buffalo, as he is hitting .267, with 3 home runs, 18 RBI and 6 doubles. Alderson stated that he would not be called up unless he was going to play, which is what I assumed as soon as I heard the move.
Who’s on first? With Ike Davis out, Daniel Murphy will get the bulk of the playing time at first base. Today Terry Collins was asked if Murphy would play any third, now that David is going on the DL. Terry’s response was that he has not played much, if any third in the Majors and he’s comfortable playing first, so we should expect to see him there.
What’s on Second? It’s pretty obvious that Tejada won’t be replacing Reyes at short. So if he’s going to play here, then he will be playing second base. He played there a lot last season, and showed off his glove in the process. This kid is a gold glove caliber fielder; he just needs to prove he can continue his good hitting from Buffalo up in Queens.
I don’t know’s on third. Well I do know one thing, if there is a choice between Willie Harris and Justin Turner; I think Willie Harris should get the nod. No I’m just kidding; Turner will definitely be the guy manning the hot corner. Not only is he hitting much better right now, but he is a full time infielder and gives the team the best option there in Wright’s absence. Despite what Terry says, I could see Murphy playing there if Nick Evan sees any time at first, especially late in games once Collins starts making substitutions.
Ike Davis is eligible to come off the DL on May 26th, and at this point that looks very possible, but not definite. David is a whole different animal, since at this point there is no time table for his return. It could be as short as ten days, but he will most likely land on the DL, pending his second opinion later today. Regardless of how long these guys are going to be out, it’s clear that we will not have them when we meet the Bronx Bombers this coming weekend. What we are left with is, an automatic out in Jason Bay batting cleanup, and Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran left to fend for themselves. Hopefully guys like Pride, Turner, Murphy and Tejada can step up and help this team hover around .500 until we can get Ike and David back.
For more of my insight’s, come visit me at BigAppleMetsTalk.com
