Just Mets

While Daniel Murphy’s return from the disabled list has been delayed, the original plan was for Murphy to be activated and become the club’s starting third baseman.

But that plan might be changing.

Murphy isn’t expected to be activated until the weekend, but unless Dilson Herrera begins to produce both offensively and defensively, he could find himself back at Triple-A Las Vegas, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

If that happens, Murphy could resume his duties at second base.

The problem with this is, the revolving door of minor league or bench players (or both) will continue to spin at third base, a position Murphy is far superior at.

However, the fact remains Herrera has shown to still be on the raw side offensively, often times looking overmatched against the caliber of big league pitching. His swing is long and upward rather than short and level, which is not the player he’s been billed to be throughout his professional career, and not the player which was on display during the final six weeks of the season in 2014.

As for his defense, this past week has not featured his skill set at second base prominently. He’s made some critical physical mistakes, he’s had a couple of lapses, and he’s unfortunately been a liability as of late.

The good news is, it’s ok.

Things are moving quickly for Herrera, and perhaps a little prematurely at that. He wasn’t expected to be the club’s second baseman for another nine months, and this experience is simply confirming he might not be ready just yet. He’s still so young, and when he’s been able to walk a straight line, he’s shown that promise on both sides of the ball. He may just need a little more time to work out the kinks, gain the necessary experience and Triple-A at-bats to be primed for an everyday role at this level.