The New York Mets could not have asked for more from young their rookie Andres Gimenez through the first 20 games of the season. While making the 30-man roster mainly as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement to start the year, Gimenez has turned himself into one of the best hitters in the Mets’ lineup.
He has yet to show any power, but it has been everything else that has made him a front runner for Rookie of the Year along with teammate David Peterson. He plays excellent defense, can steal bases, puts the ball in play, and has helped the Mets rebound after a slow start.
Opportunity to Play
With an injury to Robinson Cano and the opt-out of Yoenis Cespedes, Gimenez has turned himself into an everyday player. However, with Cano possibly coming off the injured list on Friday and Amed Rosario returning from a stomach bug at some point, Manager Luis Rojas needs to find ways to keep Gimenez in the lineup.
Unfortunately, Jeff McNeil suffered a knee injury in Thursday’s game against the Wahington Nationals. While the MRI came back negative, he will likely find himself out for the weekend series in Philadelphia.
This will likely allow Andres Gimenez to remain in the lineup, possibly at either second or third base. At 37-years old, Cano should see much more time as the designated hitter. That will leave second base open as well as third base if they move J.D Davis back to left field with McNeil out. Dominic Smith has been one of the team’s best hitters and can potentially play left field now with a player like Billy Hamilton coming in late to replace him.
Amed Rosario
While Gimenez’s best position is at shortstop, Rosario is the Mets starter. He had a terrific end to last season, and despite not getting off to a good start, Rosario has earned the starting position for this year. He may not be ready though for a couple of days giving Gimenez a few more games at shortstop.
“[Rosario] has been our shortstop from Day 1,” Rojas said. “We are comfortable with him, he can make the plays and he’s our shortstop.”
“He hasn’t been in the lineup lately because he hasn’t been able to the last couple of days. We are looking to get him back on track. We had some conversations about his approach at the plate, and we want to get there where he can do damage at the plate.”
That could possibly change after this season if the Mets want to try Rosario in the outfield. He could also be a possibility to be traded if Gimenez continues to shine along with New York’s number one prospect Ronny Mauricio at shortstop.
The Mets currently hold a record of 9-11 and are three games back of the Miami Marlins at the one-third mark of the regular season despite playing in eight more games. The Mets will begin an important series with Jacob deGrom on the mound Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies.
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