Ahead of the Mets' game against the Pirates on Saturday evening, interim manager Andy Green spoke to the media and hit on a number of topics...
Brett Baty in right field
Baty is starting in right field for the second straight game and Green was asked whether he feels the utility player has improved his outfield defense.
"He’s played a very solid right field. There’s been a few tough, tailing plays that tend to get the spotlight when you’re a guy that moves around positionally," Green said. "Brett’s made a lot of good plays out there as well."
Green pointed out that when the plays Baty doesn't make happen to an outfielder like Tyrone Taylor who is known for his defense, it doesn't make headlines, but Baty has taken it in stride.
One reason for that is the pride Baty has in his defense and wanting to be better.
"He takes extreme ownership. Every single time something comes up short, he owns it, he knows it and moves forward and goes out and makes the best possible play the next time," Green said. " He’s done a nice job of bouncing all over the diamond and every team has players like that. And allowing somebody to evolve into a valuable, versatile player is important for us as well."
It's been somewhat of an adventure for Baty in right field this season. There have been misplays in the outfield this season, including a notorious one in right against the Brewers back in July that cost the Mets a win. But Baty was solid in right on Friday, and Green hopes it'll be the same on Saturday.
Gabriel Arias' role
The Mets made one roster move ahead of Saturday's game, calling up Arias and optioning Eric Wagaman to Triple-A.
Green was asked what Arias will bring to the team, and the skipper said simply Arias allows more defensive versatility, and with the return of Jorge Polanco, the number of 1B/DH opportunities -- which Wagaman was used for -- are limited.
"He provides us with a measure of defensive versatility than Wags does," Green said of Arias. "It’s hard to find him consistent opportunities. Gabriel gives us an opportunity to rest regulars on the left side.
"He’s a really good defender at a lot of positions. He’s done that really well for a long time, and he has some pop. Those are nice pieces to add to your team. How much opportunity he gets is predicated on how everyone else maintains his health and how well he plays when he gets his chances."
When asked if he'd use Arias in the outfield, Green said while he views Arias as an infielder first, if he had to, he'd use him in the outfield. In his career, Arias has played 27 games in the outfield.
The Mets claimed Arias earlier this week from the Guardians and, in 42 games this year, has hit five home runs, 11 RBI with a .244/.284/.386 slash line and a .669 OPS.
Wagaman, 28, hit two home runs and drove in four runs across 23 games while slashing .190/.291/.378 with an OPS of .669.