Cedric Mullins was not within the Mets’ beginning lineup on Friday, however don’t anticipate that to be the norm.
Journey points delayed Mullins’ journey to Citi Subject, the place he arrived lower than three hours earlier than the sequence opener towards the San Francisco Giants.
However supervisor Carlos Mendoza made it clear he’s excited to make use of Mullins in middle area after the Mets added him from the Baltimore Orioles earlier than Thursday’s commerce deadline.
“He’s going to get a lot of playing time there,” Mendoza stated Friday.
The Mets acquired Mullins for 3 minor-league relievers in an try and stabilize a middle area place that’s been one thing of a revolving door.
Tyrone Taylor has struggled offensively, and utility man Jeff McNeil had obtained extra enjoying time there of late. Jose Siri stays out with a fractured tibia — an damage he suffered in mid-April.
Enter Mullins, a 2021 All-Star with 101 dwelling runs, 139 stolen bases and a .774 OPS over his eight-year profession.
“I think it’s a good fit,” Mullins, 30, stated Friday. “For me, I’m just trying to be myself and bring the type of game I know I can bring. A bunch of different stuff: using my legs, running, stolen bases, playing solid defense, showing a little bit of power here and there, bunts. Just a little bit of everything.”
The lefty-swinging Mullins is hitting .229 this season, however he batted .290 in July. He boasts 15 homers, 14 steals and a .738 OPS.
“The way he runs the bases, [going] first to third, that doesn’t go in the box score,” Mendoza stated. “Getting a bunt down when you need to get a runner over. Cutting the ball off in the outfield and keeping the double play in order. There’s a lot that goes behind the numbers that he does well.”
The addition of Mullins created a series response.
When the Mets activated Mullins for Friday’s sport, they despatched rookie infielder Luisangel Acuña to Triple-A Syracuse. And whereas Taylor began in middle area on Friday, he’s primed to lose enjoying time with Mullins within the combine.
McNeil began at second base, the place he’s now more likely to obtain the majority of his reps. That leaves third base as the first place for younger infielders Mark Vientos, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio to separate time.
“The messaging is even if you’re not in the lineup, you’re probably gonna get the biggest at-bat of the game in the sixth or seventh inning,” Mendoza stated.
“Right now, there’s a lot of different options. There’s versatility, and also an understanding we’re here for one reason. There’s one goal, and we’re counting on all of them.”
The Mets hope Mullins can assist them attain that objective — a need he shares.
“Bringing a ring back to the city. I think that’s what it’s all about,” Mullins stated. “Go out there, have fun, but we want championships, and it’s a great opportunity to do so.”
SOTO RETURNS
Juan Soto was again within the Mets’ lineup on Friday, three days after he fouled a ball off of his proper foot.
Soto, 26, exited Tuesday’s sport in San Diego after the painful incident, and though imaging got here again unfavourable, he sat out on Wednesday. The Mets have been off Thursday.
“We knew after the game in San Diego the other day that I had a player,” Mendoza stated. “Checked with him yesterday. No issues, so he’s good to go.”
ALVAREZ OUT
Francisco Alvarez, in the meantime, was out of the beginning lineup after taking a foul ball off of his catcher’s masks on Wednesday.
Alvarez left that sport in San Diego however cleared concussion protocol, in accordance with the Mets.
“We want to make sure he goes through all the baseball activities today, and he should be a player for us,” Mendoza stated. “But we wanted to give him an extra day, making sure he moves around and catches a [bullpen session], does all the defensive drills, takes [batting practice], and see what the response is.”
Initially Printed: August 1, 2025 at 7:32 PM EDT
