Mets send Luisangel Acuña to the minor leagues as part of roster adjustments

NEW YORK — Amid a worrying losing streak, the New York Mets sent Venezuelan rookie Luisangel Acuña to Triple-A Syracuse this Monday, as part of several roster moves before the start of a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

You may be interested in: Fernando Tatis Jr. sues financial company for abusive practices

Acuña, 23 years old and younger brother of Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr., had started the season strong, earning National League Rookie of the Month honors in March/April after batting .308 with six stolen bases. However, his offensive performance has declined, with his average dropping to .241, and he had been used primarily as a pinch runner and defensive substitute in recent weeks.

The Mets also sent right-handed reliever Tyler Zuber to the minors, and previously, they had sent down Venezuelan catcher Francisco Álvarez, another young talent in development. In additional moves, the club signed left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady to a one-year contract and called up outfielder Travis Jankowski from Triple-A Syracuse, who will be immediately available.

“It’s a difficult decision, but we believe Luisangel needs to play daily to continue growing,” explained the Mets’ general manager. “In Syracuse, he will have that playing time that he couldn’t get here for now.”

The trade that brought Acuña from Texas in 2023 — in exchange for veteran pitcher Max Scherzer — was one of the franchise’s bets on the future, which is now trying to cautiously manage the development of its young talent amid a streak of eight losses in its last nine games.

Kodai Senga Nears Return
In better news for the rotation, star pitcher Kodai Senga reported that his right hamstring “feels great” and expects to return to the mound soon. Senga was injured on June 12 while covering first base against the Nationals, but is confident that a rehabilitation assignment is “very close”. This year, the Japanese right-hander has a 7-3 record with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts.