Mets put Eric Young on DL, recall Matt den Dekker
By Matt Fisher
The Mets have solved their problem of having too many everyday outfielders, although probably not exactly how they would have liked to do it.
After injuring his hamstring while stealing second base on Saturday, Eric Young, Jr. appears a very likely candidate to be put on the disabled list. Nothing has been made official, but general manager Sandy Alderson has already recalled outfielder Matt den Dekker from Triple-A in anticipation of the move, says Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Young did not play in either game of a Sunday double-header against the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Mets split the twin-bill. For the season, Young has played in all but seven games for the Mets and has put up a .220/.315/.305 slash line with 17 stolen bases. He has been rotating with Chris Young and Juan Lagares in the outfield with Curtis Granderson maintaining an everyday right field.
Matt den Dekker is primarily a center fielder and has seen time with the Mets in 2013. He played in 27 games, putting up a .207/.270/.276 slash as a September call-up. He has been performing markedly better in Triple-A, with a .269/.326/.421 slash with four homers and ten doubles in 47 games.
Young, Jr.’s placement on the disabled list opens up more time for Juan Lagares in the outfield with den Dekker likely assuming just a back-up role. Manager Terry Collins has come under fire of late for not putting the defensively-phenomenal Lagares in the field more. The 25-year old continues to make his case, as it seems he makes a highlight reel play every time he sets foot on the field.