Siri’s Injury sidelines Key Outfielder

new york Mets center fielder Jose Siri is facing a significant setback after being diagnosed with a fractured left tibia. The injury occurred during Saturday’s game when Siri fouled a ball off his leg, as captured in video footage. Initial tests suggested a possible shin contusion, but follow-up imaging revealed the fracture, prompting an immediate placement on the 10-day injured list. This marks the Mets’ first in-season roster adjustment since trading Alexander Canario and maintaining a consistent 26-man roster since Opening Day.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the situation following the team’s victory over the Minnesota Twins, stating that Siri will be placed on the injured list.He’ll go on the 10-day injured list tomorrow and is surely in line for a lengthy absence, Mendoza told reporters.

Tyrone Taylor Steps Up in Center Field

With Siri sidelined, Tyrone Taylor is expected to assume a more prominent role in center field. Both Siri and Taylor had previously split starting time, each appearing in eight games. Though, Taylor’s performance has been lackluster, with an 0-4 showing recently dropping his season slash line to .158/.179/.211 across 39 plate appearances. He has nine strikeouts and no walks. Last season, Taylor posted a league-average .248/.299/.401 over 345 plate appearances in his first year with the Mets.

Siri’s Performance Before Injury

before the injury, Siri was struggling at the plate, managing only one hit in his first 20 at-bats. While he did draw four walks and steal two bases, he also struck out eight times in 24 plate appearances. Siri’s defensive prowess is highly valued, especially after a .187/.255/.366 performance over a career-high 130 games with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Mets acquired him in the offseason primarily for his exceptional defensive skills in center field.

Potential Roster Adjustments and Alternatives

The Mets have several options to consider as they navigate Siri’s absence. Brandon Nimmo, who started 22 games in center field last season, could potentially return to the position on occasion. This would allow Starling Marte to play in left field, potentially pushing Taylor out of the lineup if his struggles continue. Additionally, Luisangel Acuña, who logged over 250 innings in center field at the Triple-A level last season, could be considered for reps in center field if needed, despite primarily playing middle infield at the major league level.

Looking Ahead: Mets’ Center Field strategy

The Mets face a challenge in filling the void left by Siri’s injury. The team’s strategy will likely involve a combination of Taylor’s increased playing time and potential shifts in the outfield alignment. The performance of these players in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the Mets’ success in center field.