Amed Rosario might get called up sooner rather than later
New York Mets prospect Amed Rosario warms up during a spring training workout on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa
Amed Rosario might be on the way. When Sandy Alderson was asked about the heralded shortstop during a forum for season ticket-holders before Sunday’s game, the general manager said, “Yes, it could be this year.”
Alderson said he will see Rosario play this week when Triple-A Las Vegas visits Salt Lake City. He told the group, gathered in the stands down the leftfield line, that Rosario indeed had compiled enough at-bats at Double-A the previous two years and Triple-A this year to merit consideration.
Rosario (39 RBIs, .346 average in 55 games) not only is hitting at a torrid pace, even by the standards of an offense-heavy league, but is considered a strong defensive player. The Mets’ current shortstop, Asdrubal Cabrera, has committed more errors than he did all last season. “Nobody is more shocked that Asdrubal Cabrera has eight errors than me,” said Terry Collins, who added that he still roots for balls to be hit to Cabrera.
What a Rosario call-up might mean for the incumbent shortstop is uncertain. Said Cabrera, “You’re asking the wrong guy. I don’t know. That’s not my decision.’’
Cavalry coming
The Mets are 3-11 in day games, 2-7 on Sunday and 5-13 in series finales, but they could seize on one positive: Steven Matz and Seth Lugo are done with their minor-league rehab assignments and are scheduled to pitch for the Mets next weekend in Atlanta. One will work the second game of a Saturday doubleheader, the other will pitch Sunday.
“I’m not sure what to expect. I didn’t see them,” Collins said. “I trust my minor-league guys and I trust the scouts that we’ve gotten reports from. But when those bright lights come on, it’s a whole different game. We’re going to throw them out there next Saturday and Sunday and see what we’ve got.”
With Steven Marcus
