QUEENS, NY — With Francisco Lindor out for at least the next few games, Mets prospect Luisangel Acuna will have an opportunity to snag some regular playing time at shortstop.
“We play the matchups as much as possible,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “With some of the [left-handed pitchers] that are coming up here the next couple of days, Luis is going to get a pretty good chance here, too.”
Acuna, ranked the organization’s No. 12 prospect by MLB Pipeline, was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday as Lindor missed his first game of the 2024 season with a lower back issue. He collected a pair of hits in his debut against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The 22-year-old righty is unlikely to develop into the five-tool player that his brother, Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr., is. However, Luisangel is projected to be a high on-base option with top-tier speed and a versatile glove.
The complete picture has been slow to develop in Triple-A this season — his first full year in the Mets organization after he was acquired from the Texas Rangers in the Max Scherzer deal. In 131 games, he was batting .258 with a .654 OPS, seven home runs, and 50 RBI. But his speed is undeniable, as he has swiped 40 basses after stealing 57 last year.
But for a Mets team in the midst of a postseason push, there cannot be enough speed or defensive depth up the middle, which made Acuna a candidate to bolster things with Lindor out.
Mendoza admitted that the young infielder will get most of his time in the majors at shortstop, with veterans Jose Iglesias and Eddy Alvarez cycling in at either short or second base.
“We feel good with Iglesias, we feel good with Alvarez, and we feel good with Acuna…” Mendoza said. As I sit here, I see him as a shortstop… we’ll probably go with him at short and Iglesias at second.”
When he does get the call, the name of the game for Acuna is playing within himself. No one player can replace Lindor, who is having an MVP-caliber season.
“I think the biggest thing is just to be yourself,” Mendoza said. “Don’t try to do too much. It’s not easy but just understanding the game’s the same and you have to find a way to enjoy it. What brought you here, stick to it. Don’t try to be a hero… The biggest thing is to go out there and have fun.”
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Read more: Mets’ Lindor Exits Game Early: Playoff Push in Jeopardy?
