Opinion: Mets Should DH Lindor, Start Acuña at Shortstop
Francisco Lindor returned to the Mets lineup Friday, and, well, was Lindor.
The switch hitter went 2-for-4 and walked, reaching base three times in his much-awaited return since injuring his back in Philadelphia.
But, despite reaching base three times, the Mets offense didn’t click for the night. They scored four runs via a two-run homer from Mark Vientos and a late rally in the eighth aided by a dropped fly-ball from Brice Turang.
Photo by Brad Penner-Imagn Images
It was dull. And going down the stretch, the Mets need to capitalize on offense. Which might mean sitting a veteran who’s helped the Mets on and off the field throughout 2024.
J.D. Martinez has been an overall net positive for the team this entire season. But to say he’s struggled in September would be an understatement.
The former All-Star is 3-for-40 in the final month of the season, including a 0-for-35 dating back to Sept. 9, where his last hit was a single.
The struggles actually predate September as well. In the second half this season, Martinez is slashing .191/.275/.333 with six homers, much worse than the first-half slash line of .263/.349/.457. His last extra-base hit came on Sept. 7, and his last homer almost a month ago on Aug. 30.
It’s a stark difference from last season, where Martinez slugged 33 homers, put up a .893 OPS, and made an All-Star appearance. The bat has been bad for 52 games, and Friday was another display when Martinez grounded into a double-play to end an inning.
The Mets need to get creative. They only have four games remaining, including a double-header in Atlanta that could decide the fate of the season. Instead of running out Martinez at DH, the Mets need slot Lindor there and put Luisangel Acuña at short.
The rookie displayed his talents in his short stint with Lindor out, much to the shock of everyone after a disappointing season in Triple-A.
Fitting right in ????
Luisangel Acuña homers for a second straight night! pic.twitter.com/CfUMfNqFBV
— MLB (@MLB) September 19, 2024
In 10 games, Acuña batted .375 and slugged three homers against the likes of the Nationals and Phillies. He also held his own defensively, only having one miscue in the field against the Nats that cost the Mets.
Acuña was a sparkplug. And now the Mets need him to spark the lineup down the stretch. Starting the 22-year-old would add speed and contact to the lineup, while also allowing Lindor to shift to DH and protect his body for a potential pennant run.
Meanwhile, Martinez could be a weapon off the bench. The veteran is still a threatening presence at the plate, but as of now, along with the struggles of Pete Alonso, Jesse Winker, and Brandon Nimmo, the Mets need to put out their best nine guys.
We’ll see how the lineup looks Saturday. Every game is must win, and adding Acuña to the lineup provides the Mets the best chance to win.
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