Turner at Third; Five Man Rotation Until Niese Returns

Turner or Murphy to fill in while Wright is out:

Per Adam Rubin, manager Terry Collins noted that Justin Turner will be playing third base in David Wright‘s absence (starting today), though he said that Daniel Murphy may be shifted to the hot corner if Wright’s absence is prolonged.

Aug 1, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets first baseman Justin Turner (2) connects for a base hit during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Wright is currently having an MRI at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, so the team should know the severity of his strained hamstring in short order.  Regardless of the results of the MRI, it would be surprising if Wright didn’t land on the disabled list.  Mike Baxter has already arrived from AAA Las Vegas to take Wright’s spot on the roster.

A two week absence is “prolonged,” and if the team does indeed shift Daniel Murphy to third base while Wright is out, their refusal to promote Wilmer Flores becomes even stranger.

Flores’ best position is third base.  He became too big for short, and is said to not have the range to play second base adequately.  Still, he’s been playing primarily second base in the minors (with some time at first base sprinkled in).  Flores is tearing up AAA, and now seems like the perfect time to promote him.  He could either play a position the Mets know he can handle (third base), or one they have doubts about (second base).  Instead, Flores remains in AAA.

Carlos Torres back to the pen until Jonathon Niese returns:

With Jonathon Niese nearing a return from his shoulder injury, the Mets have opted to return Carlos Torres to the bullpen and go with a five man rotation for the meantime.

Torres had a few solid starts after he was inserted in the rotation, but had faltered as of late.  He’s been tremendous out of the pen, and his move back there was cemented when the Mets used him in relief last night (he was supposed to start this afternoon against the Royals).

Niese is scheduled to make one more rehab start (either in Brooklyn or Binghamton) before being activated from the disabled list.  At that point, the Mets will again go with a six man rotation.

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