Mets call up prospect Luisangel Acuña
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PHILADELPHIA -- There is another Acuña in the big leagues.
The Mets recalled Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr., before Saturday’s game against the Phillies. The Mets’ 12th-ranked prospect, Luisangel Acuña was batting .258/.299/.355 with seven homers and 40 stolen bases in 131 games for Triple-A Syracuse.
In a corresponding move, the club optioned outfielder DJ Stewart.
The move is independent of a bout of back tightness for Francisco Lindor -- an injury that the Mets consider minor and that shouldn’t cause Lindor to miss much time. But it does fortify the bench, giving the Mets another middle-infield option beyond Lindor, Jose Iglesias and Eddy Alvarez.
Acuña has split his time at Syracuse between shortstop, second base and center field.
The Mets acquired Acuña in a one-for-one deal for Max Scherzer before last year’s Trade Deadline. He began the year as their third-ranked prospect and No. 66 in baseball, but he dropped on those lists as the struggled to find consistency at the highest Minor League level.
Still, Acuña offers a unique blend of speed and defensive versatility that can help the Mets off the bench down the stretch.