Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores sat again on Sunday after sitting out Saturday’s game, even though he was 5-for-9 with a home run against Doug Fister. His replacement Ruben Tejada went 0-for-3, and muffed a double play.
Flores has had a rough time defensively at shortstop in 2015 especially last week, committing an error in each of his last three starts and overall he has seven errors this season, many of which proved costly in Mets losses.
Manager Terry Collins decided to sit Flores on back to back games in order to buy him some time to clear his head. He also wanted to get backup Reuben Tejada some playing time as well.
“We’re hoping a couple days refreshes him and gets him back on track,” said Collins prior to Sunday’s game against the Nats.
His defensive struggles could be be affecting his bat too. Flores was 0-for-4 with 4 Ks on Friday. He is hitting .240 with 3 home runs, 8 RBIs and a .278 on-base percentage. His 3 homers actually ties him for the Mets lead with Michael Cuddyer.
On Friday afternoon, Mets GM Sandy Alderson told reporters that Flores is in no danger of losing his shortstop job. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen. If Flores continues to struggle defensively, Sandy may have no choice but to make a change much like he did when he brought up Dilson Herrera before the weekend.
Internally, the Mets have two options they can turn to; Wilfredo Tovar and Matt Reynolds who seems to be the people’s choice. The Mets will have an off day on Monday to consider the matter, while Flores tries to shake off the stigma of last week and give it another go.
