Mets recall Nieuwenhuis, option Ceciliani to Triple-A

By Danny Abriano
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The Mets have called outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis up from Triple-A Las Vegas, the team announced on Monday.

In order to make room for Nieuwenhuis on the roster, the Mets optioned outfielder Darrell Ceciliani to Las Vegas.

Nieuwenhuis, who was designated for assignment earlier this season by the Mets, was picked up by the Angels before they designated him for assignment and the Mets claimed him off waivers.

In 37 games (64 plate appearances) with the Mets and Angels this season, Nieuwenhuis is hitting .100/.156/.167 with no home runs and three RBI. He has struck out 40.6 percent of the time.

For Triple-A Las Vegas, Nieuwenhuis was hitting .293/.354/.741 with seven home runs and 20 RBI.

Thoughts:

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The Mets need to make a trade to import offense to a team that’s badly in need of a jolt. Instead, they’re so far reassembling chairs to fit in players that have already proven to not be major league caliber.

While subbing in Nieuwenhuis for Ceciliani, the Mets really haven’t changed anything. Both players will likely struggle to hit at the big league level, both have relatively good speed, and both play solid outfield defense.

Nieuwenhuis appeared over-matched during his time with the Mets earlier this season, and I’m not sure what exactly has changed between now and then.

Either way, Nieuwenhuis is here for now, and is starting in left field on Monday night in place of Michael Cuddyer, who is at first base while the struggling Lucas Duda has the night off.

Sitting Duda also makes very little sense, since the only way he’ll work his way out of this slump is by playing. And it’s even more puzzling since Nieuwenhuis is the player who’s getting subbed in.

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