Michael Conforto sent to Triple-A
New York Mets leftfielder Michael Conforto sits in the dugout before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at Citi Field. Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
The Mets on Saturday night sent rookie Michael Conforto to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for Yoenis Cespedes on the roster.
Conforto, who was called up from Double-A Binghamton on July 24, was hitting .211 with three RBIs.
Conforto went through batting practice with the Mets before he was informed of his demotion. The team was waiting to see if Kirk Nieuwenhuis was recovered from a pinched nerve in his neck that had made him unavailable the previous two days.
Conforto impressed the Mets with his ability to work the strike zone in his first taste of major-league action. Now he will get his first taste of Triple-A.
Wright on
David Wright could begin playing in minor-league rehab games as early as next week, manager Terry Collins said.
Collins said Wright will stay with the team through the series against the Marlins that begins in Miami on Monday. After that, Wright will report to Port St. Lucie.
"I don't think there's any question David will play again this summer," Collins said of Wright, who has been sidelined since April 15 and is trying to come back from a serious back condition.
Extra bases
Wilmer Flores was back in the lineup one night after his game-winning home run against the Nationals in the 12th inning . . . With Cespedes in leftfield, Curtis Granderson started in center and Kelly Johnson started in right as Collins wanted to get more lefthanded hitters in against Joe Ross . . . Collins said Cespedes will see some time in center, a position he has played in 75 games in the majors. "Even though I haven't done it regularly in a few years, I know I can play centerfield," Cespedes said through a translator. "I will play where the Mets need me." . . . Cespedes was issued uniform No. 52, with Carlos Torres switching to 72.
Anthony Rieber covers baseball, as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL, for the sports department. He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since July 5, 2004.
