Mets DFA Siri, reinstate Taylor from injured list
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CHICAGO -- Jose Siri, whom the Mets acquired last offseason to provide a measure of outfield defense, power, depth and athleticism, wound up playing just 16 games with the team.
The Mets designated Siri for assignment on Wednesday to clear roster space for Tyrone Taylor, who came off the injured list before their game against the Cubs. Siri, 30, had been under team control for two more seasons after this one.
“Not an easy one,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Obviously we know how toolsy he is and what he brings to the table. But not an easy year for him.”
At the beginning of the season, the Mets relied on Siri regularly in center field, often playing him over Taylor. But Siri broke his left tibia in an April 12 game and did not return until Sept. 9. Along the way, New York acquired Cedric Mullins, who, unlike Siri and Taylor, bats left-handed.
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That made Siri and Taylor redundant. The Mets chose to keep Taylor, 31, who is under team control through next season. Though Taylor was batting .218/.277/.315 in 109 games prior to his injury, he still rates among the best defensive center fielders in the Majors.
Siri had taken a step backward in that department, albeit in a small sample. He also hit just .063/.167/.125 in 16 games. Because Siri is not under a guaranteed contract, the Mets won’t owe him any money beyond this season.
“It got to a point where you’re activating a right-handed hitter that plays pretty good defense and provides versatility and speed,” Mendoza said. “So like I said, not an easy one, but we decided to [DFA] Siri there.”
Mullins, 30, struggled mightily after the Mets acquired him at the Trade Deadline, but he has been slightly more productive of late, with a .240/.296/.360 slash line over his past 10 games. He figures to continue drawing some starts against right-handed pitchers, though Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil should also fit into that mix.
“Everything’s on the table here,” Mendoza said. “Everybody’s willing to do whatever it takes, and we’ll use everyone accordingly.”