3 Mets players suddenly playing a lot better in a reduced role

Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets / Mike Stobe/GettyImages
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2) NY Mets infielder Eduardo Escobar is earning his way back into the starting lineup

Eduardo Escobar is batting .244/.289/.433 this season with 4 home runs and 14 RBI. Yikes! The former starting third baseman for the Mets has been roughed up by pitchers. Fortunately, he had May to earn back some credibility and actually save his job.

This was a very good month for Escobar for a couple of reasons. Reduced playing time doesn’t always result in success for a guy used to starting. Escobar batted .394/.444/.606 in his 16 games. Like Canha, he was often a pinch hitter or pulled for someone else.

Third base has become a lighter platoon position for the Mets with Brett Baty starting anytime they face a righty. Escobar has gotten his chances against lefties. He has shown this should continue.

After such a miserable April, it looked like the Mets wouldn’t have much use for Escobar. If he’s not hitting, what purpose does he serve? He’s not a particularly good defender. Luis Guillorme is a better fit to have on the bench.

With his back against the ropes, Escobar thrived. He has become an ideal bench player who may work his way back into the lineup a little more frequently in June. Baty didn’t have a very good month at all, slashing .207/.286/.356 for the ball club. Some wise lineup cards and in-game management by Buck Showalter can help to get the most out of both the rookie and the veteran.