The only Mike Tauchman roster replacement if he’s not ready for NY Opening Day

Knee soreness was the diagnosis for Mike Tauchman who came up limping while running out to take his position during Saturday’s game. Days away from opening the year on the New York Mets roster, there’s now reason to believe he may not be ready to begin the year with the team.

Until this injury, Tauchman looked like a given. Even with other outfielders outperforming him, he was one of the last men standing in camp and certainly one with the most impressive resume in the regular season. The only debate left was whether or not he could co-exist on the roster with Carson Benge. They could and rather easily.

If Tauchman doesn’t join the Mets to begin the year, there’s only one player who should replace him.

A Mike Tauchman injury now justifies carrying Vidal Brujan on the roster

Vidal Brujan has been perfectly fine this spring. His .273/.400/.273 slash line leaves a lot to be desired. It’s the 7 walks, 9 singles, and 4 stolen bases in as many tries we should pay attention to most.

Unlike Tauchman whose big league resume justifies a MLB roster spot regardless of his spring performance, the exact opposite applies for Brujan. He was a waiver claim meant to protect in case of injury, specifically to Francisco Lindor. With Lindor seemingly healthy and Bo Bichette as the easy answer at shortstop in case of emergency or Lindor needing a day off, it made little sense to invite Brujan along.

Circumstances have changed. Tauchman potentially in need of some rest and recovery, the Mets can bring Brujan with them a little longer.

Brujan isn’t replacing Tauchman, but gives the Mets added versatility in other ways. He’s a pinch runner off the bench. In the rare case where they need a bunt, maybe he pinch hits, too.

Over in right field, the circumstances change, too. Benge gets the bulk of the starts with maybe some appearances in center field to give Luis Robert Jr. time off his feet. Brett Baty now actually becomes a right field consideration with Mark Vientos earning some playing time, by default, at DH and first base.

The Tauchman injury is unfortunately timed and yet the Mets are perfectly capable of getting everything needed without him. No decision has been made and until the final hour, they should weigh their choice carefully.

Brujan will be on a short leash regardless and a healthy Tauchman should be under consideration immediately even if it takes away from the Mets’ versatility. It’s the 26th spot on the roster that could easily end up handed off to a player like MJ Melendez. In the meantime, with playing time easy to distribute to everyone healthy, now is not the time to try to fit a player like Ronny Mauricio on the roster. At-bats for him have yet to open up.