NEW YORK -- Despite facing the first of four left-handed pitchers in five games Friday, the Mets did not activate Wilmer Flores from the 15-day disabled list. It was the first day that Flores, who has been sidelined since May 12, was eligible to come off the DL.
But Flores amassed only 11 at-bats over the first three games of a rehab assignment at Double-A Binghamton, and he was a combined 0-for-8 on Wednesday and Thursday. When Flores does return, the Mets expect him to replace the injured Lucas Duda as their starting first baseman.
"We really wanted him to accumulate some at-bats, and we didn't think [he had enough]," manager Terry Collins said. "He needs a few more to make sure he's found his stroke, and when he comes back, he's ready to help us."
The Mets did, however, reinsert shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera into their lineup Friday, after Cabrera missed all nine innings of the team's last game Wednesday due to back spasms.