PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets’ infield plans might have taken a sizable hit on Sunday, but the team still does not expect to seek external help.
Nick Madrigal, who entered camp as the likely frontrunner to replace Jose Iglesias as the team’s utility infielder, dislocated his left shoulder while playing shortstop in Sunday’s split-squad game against the Washington Nationals in West Palm Beach.
Carlos Mendoza, who stayed behind to manage the Mets’ home game, said that the team would have a more detailed update on Madrigal after he undergoes an MRI.
In the immediate aftermath of the injury, all indications are that the Mets will stick with their plan to emphasize internal depth and flexibility in filling out their bench.
The Mets signed Madrigal to a split contract in January, meaning that his salary would be different playing at Triple-A compared to the big leagues. If the team re-signed fan favorite Iglesias to a major league deal, it would be locked into either carrying him on the roster or designating him for assignment. Iglesias cannot be optioned.
Contenders for the Mets utility infield job include Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña , Ronny Mauricio, Donovan Walton and Jared Young.
Iglesias remains a free agent, but signing him would create less roster flexibility to move prospects like Acuna and Mauricio on and off the big league roster during the season.
Could the Mets pivot back to Candelita? It’s never wise to say never in this game, but Madrigal’s injury did not significantly alter the dynamics already in place.
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