Travis

Taijeron

Taijeron posted a .540 OPS during a cup of coffee with the Mets in 2017. The 31-year-old put up an .860 OPS with 24 home runs at the Triple-A level in 2019.

A four-hit game off the bench isn’t something one sees every day. Taijeron took over for Yoenis Cespedes, who was 2-for-2, so the Mets had six hits out of the third spot in their order in today’s loss. Taijeron, 28, hit .275/.372/.512 with 19 homers for Triple-A Las Vegas last year. He’s not really a prospect, but he could get a cup of coffee at some point.

He’ll provide much needed depth in the outfield with Michael Conforto and Yoenis Cespedes on the DL. It’s the first time in the big leagues for the rookie outfielder.

Lagares injured the thumb while making a diving catch recently. It sounds like a day-to-day situation. Brandon Nimmo has slid over to center field and Travis Taijeron is getting a start in right.

Taijeron came into Friday’s action 2-for-19 since his call-up in late August. He got the Mets on the board first with a solo homer off Amir Garrett in the second inning. The 28-year-old mashed 25 homers with a .907 OPS in 125 games with Triple-A Las Vegas this season, but the recent addition of Nori Aoki will limit him to at-bats against lefties.

The move clears him from the 40-man roster. Taijeron had a big power year with Triple-A Las Vegas this season, but he struggled with a .173/.271/.269 batting line over 59 plate appearances during his first stint in the majors.

A moment to remember for the 28-year-old, who probably wouldn’t have gotten a callup this year if not for all of the Mets’ injuries. He’s gone 9-for-48 with a homer and a 23/3 K/BB ratio since getting the call on Aug. 26. He’s a solid Triple-A player, but it seems unlikely that the Mets will carry him on their 40-man roster this winter.

Taijeron batted .272/.383/.525 with 25 home runs and 78 RBI in 125 games this summer with the Triple-A affiliate of the Mets, though he struggled mightily in his first taste of the majors after getting a late-August callup. The 28-year-old outfielder seems doubtful to make a significant impact with Los Angeles.