Acosta puts it down middle -- and that's problem
New York Mets relief pitcher Manny Acosta reacts as he heads to the dugout after being taken out in the ninth inning when he gave up a three-run home run to Philadelphia Phillies' Ty Wigginton. (May 28, 2012) Credit: AP
Manager Terry Collins admitted Monday that the Mets are flummoxed about how to fix reliever Manny Acosta, who gave up a three-run home run to Ty Wigginton in the ninth inning of an 8-4 loss to the Phillies.
Acosta, who for a time was the team's closer in 2011, saw his ERA jump to 11.86. In 22 innings, he has given up 35 hits, including six home runs, walked 15 and struck out 23.
Asked what Acosta is doing wrong, Collins said: "The ball's right in the heart of the plate. We've looked at all his films and tapes, and the ball's in the middle of the plate."
The Mets announced after the game that righthander Chris Schwinden will come up from Triple-A Buffalo Tuesday night, as will shortstop Omar Quintanilla to replace the injured Justin Turner. But there was no announcement about which player will be removed from the roster to make room for Schwinden.
