Mets DFA Jose Siri after brief, brutal tenure
Center fielder's stint included defensive miscues, a tibia injury and a rough offensive line; Tyrone Taylor returns from injury to take center field duties.
The New York Mets designated for assignment outfielder Jose Siri on Wednesday, ending a brief tenure with the club. The move clears a roster spot for Tyrone Taylor, who was activated from the injured list and was in the starting lineup against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Siri, 30, appeared in 16 games for the Mets and posted a .292 OPS while going 2-for-32 with 17 strikeouts. He spent most of the season rehabbing from a fractured left tibia he suffered in April when he fouled a ball off his shin. He was booed at Citi Field last week after misplaying two balls in center field.
The move was driven by the Mets' need for a right-handed hitter who can play solid defense and provide versatility and speed. Taylor has that profile, and he was activated as the Mets created a roster spot.
Mendoza indicated that Taylor, Cedric Mullins and Brandon Nimmo are possibilities for center field, with Nimmo starting his first game of the season in center on Tuesday. The Mets plan to continue evaluating options while maintaining flexibility in the lineup.
Kodai Senga will remain in Port St. Lucie after a live batting practice session earlier in the week. The manager described the outing as just OK, noting that the 93 mph fastball velocity was affected by heat and fatigue. Senga will continue to throw as he works through mechanics, with no clear timetable for a return.
Senga has pitched in two starts for Triple-A Syracuse after agreeing to a demotion to work on his mechanics. The Mets confirmed the plan is to keep him throwing to monitor his readiness.
Brandon Sproat is slated to start Friday’s series opener in Miami, while Mendoza declined to name a starter for Saturday; Clay Holmes and Sean Manaea are among the primary candidates.