Not the move one New York fan base was likely clamoring for, but there was a move made between games of the Yankees-Mets doubleheader: the Mets activated Jonathan Villar from the 10-day injured list, and optioned outfielder Albert Almora Jr. to Triple-A Syracuse.
Villar was in the lineup hitting eighth and playing third base for Game 2, and manager Luis Rojas called the move to send down Almora a “really tough” one.
“I explained the pitching part and where we are; we lost Peterson and Reid-Foley and we’re giving Oswalt the start,” Rojas said. “When it comes to position players, McKinney and Peraza are both out of options and Almora isn’t; it’s a tough decision, because he’s part of this group, he’s family.”
Almora has missed time with an injury of his own this year, but he has hit just .075 this year, with only 41 plate appearances in 32 games played. Still, given the Mets’ situation earlier this year that had them playing non-roster infielders in the outfield, Rojas hopes Almora takes this as a chance to go get some everyday reps and be ready if and when the team calls on him.
“Like I always say, there’s always opportunity,” Rojas said, “so for him, the chance to go to Syracuse, play every day and get some at-bats and work on some things is the start of a path for him to get back to us and be in better shape.”
Villar has hit .246 with six home runs and 15 RBI in 61 games, and took over as the everyday third baseman in the wake of J.D. Davis’ nearly season-long absence. Villar was 0-for-6 with a walk in two rehab games with Syracuse, and returns after missing the minimum 10 days with a right calf strain.
Davis, however, may also not be far away, as he began a rehab assignment with Syracuse on Thursday.
Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch