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New York Mets Recall Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Demote Darrell Ceciliani

By Kenneth Teape

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The New York Mets have made a change to their bench as they head into a series with the San Francisco Giants. Outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis is expected to join the team in the Bay Area in time for Monday’s game and be recalled from Triple-A. He will be taking the place of Darrell Ceciliani, who will be demoted back to Triple-A.

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Ceciliani had some moments with the Mets big league club, but overall was a bit of a disappointment. He flashed some leather, but the Mets needed help at the plate, and he just didn’t deliver. In 68 at-bats, Ceciliani hit only .208 with one home run. He was able to bring a little something on the base paths though, stealing five bases in six attempts. But, that wasn’t enough to keep him around with the major league club.

This will be the second stint for Nieuwenhuis this season with the Mets, as he started the season with the club. But, after going 3-for-38 to start the season, he was designated for assignment because he was out of options. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Angels, who figured to use him as an extra outfielder that could be used as a defensive replacement late in games.

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But, he didn’t last much longer with the Angels then he did with the Mets. With the Angels, Nieuwenhuis managed to go only 3-for-22 and was again designated for assignment. The Mets would then claim him back after the Angels released him. This time when they outrighted him to Triple-A, he cleared waivers and has been in Las Vegas ever since.

With the Mets’ Pacific Coast League Club, Nieuwenhuis hit extremely well. In only 58 at-bats, Nieuwenhuis hit .293 with seven home runs and 20 RBI. If Nieuwenhuis is able to deliver production anywhere near that level with the Mets they will be extremely pleased. But, historically, players have put up eye-popping numbers there that have not translated to the major league level.

This call-up will be one that disappoints plenty of Mets fans. When Michael Cuddyer was dealing with his knee injury the past week, there began to be whispers that top prospect Michael Conforto would be called up. Instead, the Mets have opted to go with Nieuwenhuis since Cuddyer seems to be healthier right now.

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While the decision to leave Conforto in the minor leagues will disappoint people, it is the right decision. Conforto, being a first round pick in 2014, can use as many at-bats he could get. Without an injury that required a DL stint to a player on the major league team, Conforto wouldn’t receive consistent playing time at the expense of veterans Cuddyer, Juan Lagares or Curtis Granderson. Until that happens, expect the Mets to continue shuttling underwhelming options such as Nieuwenhuis and Ceciliani around until a more prominent role opens up.

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