1 Mets player who needs to immediately show more if he wants to stay on the roster

In the absence of Brett Baty, the New York Mets have decided it best to see what, if anything, infielder Zack Short can offer the club. Limited to 10 plate appearances this season which trails everyone else, Short has been used properly by asking him to do things like pinch run or field a position late.

Soon enough will come a roster crunch for the Mets. The anticipated arrival of J.D. Martinez will result in the Mets having to choose between Short and DJ Stewart. With Stewart swinging a productive bat from the left side, it’s not such an easy decision anymore.

Zack Short hasn't shown quite enough to stay on the Mets roster when J.D. Martinez is read

Stewart hasn’t completely taken off in his part-time role. Slashing .200/.412/.520 in 34 plate appearances with a pair of home runs, he has essentially become what Daniel Vogelbach was except far more athletic and capable of playing three different defensive positions.

Short, on the other hand, is more like a forgettable bench player. The far more experienced Joey Wendle has started to produce while leaving Short in the dust as the least productive player on the roster. Striking out 4 times in 10 plate appearances isn’t unexpected. For him to have one of the team’s two caught stealings and an error charged against him already in this young season adds some sprinkles to the dismay.

Unlike Stewart with a remaining minor league option, moving on from Short requires the Mets to designate him for assignment. The team feels more “complete” with him on it capable of playing defense late at third base or able to get down a sacrifice bunt. It’s a matter of preference, though. And if Stewart continues to knock big hits, especially off the bench where he’ll find himself soon enough, it’s going to be hard to demote him.

The Mets already have Wendle to do the things Short could. Down in the minor leagues, they have another option, too.

This is the exact sort of role Jose Iglesias was signed for. The veteran infielder never had much of an opportunity to make the Opening Day roster, then again, who thought Short would?

We know David Stearns values defense. Carlos Mendoza has shown a tendency to bunt a little more than the average team. Stewart’s job is far from safe. Short, however, is the one who looks more immediately replacable.

Let’s see how much time Baty misses and if the Mets stick with Short at third base in his absence. The clock is ticking.