This injured NY Mets player doesn't look like he'll have a job to come back to

Late last week Carlos Mendoza told reporters that outfielder Jose Siri is progressing quicker than expected from a fractured tibia. Another reinforcement for this New York Mets team but Siri’s return does not guarantee the same amount of playing time he saw before he went on the injured list. 

Jose Siri will have earn his playing time once he returns from the injured list

During Siri’s absence the Mets found their sweet spot in centerfield. Tyrone Taylor has a hit in eight of his last ten games while playing gold glove caliber defense. Taylor's has shown off his speed on the bases and his outfield range which according to savant ranks in the 91st percentile. On Taylor’s off days, the team has recently gone to Jeff McNeil in center who has proved he can play the position in his small sample size. McNeil’s versatility has been invaluable to this group, and he should be in the starting lineup more days than not. It hasn’t happened yet this season, but Luisangel Acuna is another option for the outfield. Acuna has wreaked havoc on the base paths and progressed every day at the dish. He’s another guy you’d like to see in the starting nine most days. Siri's injury has plummeted him down the depth chart.

Siri will undoubtedly replace Jose Azocar on the roster, who has barely played at all. Mendoza has primarily used Azocar for late game defense and pinch running situations but he is hitting .294 in the 17 at-bats he’s gotten over ten games. The way Siri was playing before his injury won’t have the team improvising to get him into the lineup every day. David Stearns has handed this coaching staff more than enough flexibility to be able to play the hot hand. Siri had just one hit and one RBI in 20 at bats, but did dazzle with his speed. There is no rush to bring him back before he is 100% ready.

As the old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” What Mendoza has been doing in center field has worked. There’s no reason to change that unless Siri can take advantage of his limited playing time once he returns and force the skipper’s hand.