BREAKING: Mets Facing Big Decision After Unfortunate Spring Training News
The New York Mets had a split-squad Spring Training on Sunday. They lost 11-6 to the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park in the Palm Beaches, while their other game ended in a 1-1 tie with the Miami Marlins at Clover Park. Along with finishing the day without a win, the Mets received some bad news after the game against Washington. Nick Madrigal, the Mets’ 2018 first-round pick, started at shortstop, but he was injured before even taking an at-bat. After fielding a weak ground ball, Madrigal tried to make an acrobatic throw but fell on his left shoulder, forcing him out of the game.
Madrigal, who has struggled to establish himself in the majors since being selected fourth overall by the Chicago White Sox in 2018, was competing for the backup shortstop role behind Francisco Lindor. Now, he may be out for a while, leaving the Mets in a tough spot. As MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo wrote, “If Madrigal misses time, the Mets don’t have a clear solution to back up Francisco Lindor.” Ideally, team officials would prefer to give their No. 12 prospect, Luisangel Acuña, more time in the minors, which would make him a less likely candidate for the Opening Day roster.
Madrigal appeared to be the front-runner for the backup shortstop spot, and even if he recovers by Opening Day, the Mets now have to figure out who will take those reps in his absence. As DiComo mentioned, Acuña may not be ready for MLB action, leaving the Mets with a difficult decision. “The Mets could choose to break camp without a backup shortstop, given Lindor’s tendency to play nearly every inning of every game,” DiComo added after evaluating the limited options.