The Mets placed infielder Jonathan Villar on the 10-day injured list with a sore right calf, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo (via Twitter). In a corresponding move, Travis Blankenhorn has been recalled from Triple-A. The Mets officially made the move after game one of today’s doubleheader against the Phillies.
Villar was somewhat of an afterthought as a winter addition this past offseason, but injuries to Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis thrust Villar into a central role. Villar has started 47 of the Mets’ 70 games, mostly at third base, a position he hadn’t played since 2016. He’s been passable defensively, if not exactly a revelation with -2 Outs Above Average and -1 Defensive Runs Saved. Villar has long been considered a subpar defender, though capable enough and versatile, which is more or less exactly what he’s been on that end for the Mets this season.
Where Villar typically hopes to add the most value is on the offensive end. He’s delivered with a .246/.333/.410 line through 208 plate appearances, good for a 110 wRC+. Villar’s bat will be missed, though McNeil’s recent return should provide enough thump to maintain the status quo – if not improve upon it.
Luis Guillorme will likely take on some of Villar’s responsibilities. Despite a mark of -3 DRS in just 72 2/3 innings at third base this season, Guillorme is considered to be a glove-first contributor who should ultimately bolster the Mets’ defense in Villar’s absence. He doesn’t, however, offer as much with the bat. That said, he’s certainly been decent enough with a career 99 wRC+ and 118 wRC+ mark in 62 plate appearances this year.
Blankenhorn, 24, could also be an option. The well0-traveled Blankenhorn has often seen his name scrawled across the MLBTR pages this season. Since being recalled to the Twins active roster on April 20th, Blankenhorn was optioned, designated for assignment, claimed by the Dodgers, designated for assignment, claimed by the Mariners, optioned, DFA’d again, claimed by the Mets, and optioned again. The Pennsylvania native made a pretty good argument for keeping him permanently on the Mets roster, however, by slashing .389/.538/.944 in 26 plate appearances spanning seven games for the Syracuse Mets.
Hope he’s back soon he was very productive
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
If he’s an atheist though, he’s not eligible for a speedy recovery via thoughts and prayers. One of those fine print rules that Jesus McBiblegod throws in there.
Not true.
Luke Voit 6:19: “And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.”
Crap, I have the censored version of the Magic Biblebook. >:[
Good ol, thanks for the entertainment lol
Still winning games.
McNeil is a downgrade from Villar at this point. He was disappointing before he got hurt and still looks out of whack now. We need the rookie version who could really hit, not the one selling out for power.
The sad thing is that he has been more productive in fewer at bats then the person you paid $341,000,000 for.
WAYYYYYYYY off topic – but, if you watch this from beginning to end, you’ll understand almost everything of any importance whatsoever, ESPECIALLY baseball!!!!!
youtube.com/watch?v=b6WsUXf0TRM
Ed Charles totally styling in the player introductions
The Mets keep plugging the injury hole with one guy after another. JD Davis was hot with the bat before he went down, and Villar was a good replacement until he just went down. For some lost power the Mets gained some speed. And at least it seems the Mets have some players who can ride the AAA transport, like Blankenhorn and Drury and Mazeika, and come up when needed.
Per graphics during yesterday’s Mets games, Guillorme has 0 RBIs this year.