Mets: Why it’s time to move Jay Bruce over to first base

The New York Mets have a serious jam of outfielders. It’s time Jay Bruce moves from right field to first base.

The New York Mets outfielders have all shown their ability to play ball.

Juan Lagares is suddenly swinging the stick the last few games and is a top-level glove.  Yoenis  Cespedes has not been hitting well, but it is only a matter of time before he heats up.  Michael Conforto is the future, and despite only hitting an even .250, the Mets should like what they have seen so far, especially coming off the shoulder injury.

Brandon Nimmo has been doing it all for the Mets, hitting .333 in 21 at-bats, and reaching base at a .500 clip.  The guy who has had the least to write home about is Jay Bruce.

Out of all of these guys, who would’ve thought the most turbulent start would be from Jay Bruce?

Bruce hit 36 jacks last year but has only one so far in 55 trips.  He has been dealing with Plantar Fascists in his left foot, which left him out of the lineup.

Jay Bruce is hitting a tough .200/.306/.345 in 55 at-bats

Plantar Fascitis is an injury that can flare up at any time. There will be a noticeable difference in his movement if the pain lingers.

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There have been rumblings about moving Jay Bruce to first base in order to get Brandon Nimmo more at-bats, and if there was ever a time to try it, now would be the time.

Broadway Jay is probably the least athletic outfielder out of the bunch. Bruce played 11 games last year at first base but did not seem too welcome to the idea of moving.

New York Post writer Mike Puma stated previously that Bruce avoided using his first baseman’s glove during spring training and says he would be surprised if it’s needed during the regular season.

Bruce is struggling at the plate, and it will be really tough on Mickey Callaway to keep him in the lineup if he continues to trend downward.  Moving him to first base will allow Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares to get more at-bats while strengthening a position that was originally considered a weak spot coming into the season.

Also, less ground to cover at first and less stress on that bad foot.  Besides him not wanting to play there, there is no reason for him not to be there. It’s best for him and best for the team.

Next: Mets relying on Asdrubal Cabrera

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At some point, I think we can all agree Bruce will make the transition. Why wait?