The Mets have designated outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis for assignment, ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin reports on Twitter. That move seemed likely after the team announced that it would bring up fellow outfielder Darrell Ceciliani from Triple-A, necessitating a roster spot.
Nieuwenhuis, 27, has struggled badly in limited action thus far in 2015. The left-handed-hitting outfielder owns a .079/.125/.132 line over forty trips to the plate, racking up 17 strikeouts and just two walks. Notably, his flyball percentage has nearly doubled over his career rates, helping to drive a .143 BABIP.
It was readily apparent heading into the year that Nieuwenhuis would not have an everyday job, as the Mets’ outfield is firmly committed to Michael Cuddyer, Juan Lagares, and Curtis Granderson. But after slashing a strong .259/.346/.482 last year, he seemed a good bet to hold a job as a fourth outfielder. In spite of his troubles, Nieuwenhuis could appeal to other clubs who view him as a bounce-back candidate, particularly since he offers some pop and has experience in center.
Ceciliani, 24, was a fourth round pick in 2009. He has risen steadily through the minors and is in the midst of a big campaign for Las Vegas. Over 126 plate appearances, Ceciliani owns a .336/.381/.584 slash with five long balls and six stolen bases. Though his .384 BABIP surely has something to do with that batting line, Ceciliani has obviously shown enough good contact to warrant his first shot at big league action.
Oh No! Not Captain Kirk!
I’m giving it all she’s got, captain!
Maybe, the O’s take a look, he is a wonderful defensive outfielder.
Unfortunately, a good defensive outfielder, not wonderful. Lagares is wonderful as is the Brewer’s Gomez. In truth, Matt denDecker, whom the Mets traded to the Nats, was a better defensive backup; Kirk stayed around because he was supposed to have the better bat. Kirk has hit the cover off the ball at AAA, but even with last year’s slash line, he has never been consistently able to produce in the majors and apparently can’t thrive coming off the bench.
So, replace one-left handed bench guy with another, whooopee!
Well, if there is a chance he can actually get a hit when called on to pinch hit, it will be an improvement.
can’t argue with that, maybe he can steal a base or two once he gets on base. The Mets sorely lack foot speed and stolen base ability.
Hard to believe his slash line is that horrid after that awesome spring training. Just goes to show how meaningless spring stats are
In fairness to him it was game 8 before he got a start. April 13, almost a 2 week layoff, after any type of rhythm he may have had coming out of spring dissipated.
Actually, it’s not. Even in Spring, he was doing what he usually did: Brief hot start, followed by a long cold streak. The hot streak wasn’t there for him this season.
Could see the Jays grabbing him, they’re as thin as Ariana Grande in the OF. They’ve caught lightning in a bottle with Colabello but that wont last, and this would give them a legit option to spell Pillar (who’s also been struggling and should be a 4th OF) in CF.
Bummer. I like Nieuwenhuis, even though he’s pretty limited as a player.