With the absence of David Wright for an extended time due to injury, Wilmer Flores has been given the opportunity to man third-base. Prior to last night’s 6-2 win over the Miami Marlins, Flores spoke of being thankful for a steady opportunity.
“You don’t want to have anybody get hurt,” Flores said. “It happened. Since I got here, I’ve been waiting for an opportunity. It’s an opening. Knowing that you could be in the lineup every day, it changes everything.” (ESPN)
Flores entered the game struggling, hitting to a slash of .167/.242/.267. With getting to play everyday for the time being, Flores looks to right his season. He started things off on the right path in yesterday’s win with a productive night at the plate. Wilmer was able to give the Mets their first lead of the night with a two-out single in the fourth inning.
Flores finished 2-for-3 on the night with a walk. Manager, Terry Collins noted that last night was the beginning of a prime opportunity for Flores and newcomer, James Loney, who also provided some pop last night with a go-ahead two-run homer that put the Mets up for good.
“They’re getting opportunities,” Collins said. “James and Flo are going to get a lot of playing time. It’s nice to get them in the mix.”
After the game Flores alluded to the fact of no longer being a starter possibly affecting his output offensively. With yesterday’s performance he raised his line on the year to .190/.271/.302. Overall he has just one homer and three RBI in 63 plate appearances.
“You just have that feeling that you’re going to get that opportunity tomorrow to play,” Flores said. “I’m used to being out there. I know what to do when I’m playing every day. I just need to worry about the process and not the result. When I do that, I do well.”
Wilmer will get every chance to prove he is capable of filling in for Wright as the team does not really have any other answers on the 40-man roster at this time. Eventually they may look externally for someone to fill the gap, but right now Flores will get the first shot to prove to his team that he is the right man for the job.
