Just Mets

Michael Cuddyer is on-track to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Monday when the Mets open a four-game series against the Rockies at Citi Field.

Before Friday’s dramatic 4-3 win over the Rays Terry Collins hinted Cuddyer would likely replace Michael Conforto on the roster, as opposed to the other logical candidate, Eric Campbell.

From a baseball perspective, the logic makes sense, although such a decision would not be merit-based, especially after Conforto delivered a game-tying hit in the ninth inning during Friday’ night’s game. Collins noted the Mets are scheduled to see five left-handed pitchers over the next week, which means Juan Lagares would be in center field and Yoenis Cespedes would be in left field, leaving Conforto starving for playing time here.

Collins acknowledged how impressed he has been with Conforto in his first two weeks in the majors.

“He’s got a nice approach at the plate,” Collins said. “He showed the power. He shows a good swing. You’ve got to just continue to hit and see different pitchers and different situations. I always think playing at the higher levels you’re going to learn something because guys start to command their pitches a little bit better. But he’s going to be a good player.”

There’s no question it’s necessary for Conforto to see regular playing time during this stage of his development, and if the Mets plan on utilizing their current roster strength against left-handers, it makes sense that Conforto would be doing more watching than playing in those games.

But again, Conforto has demonstrated his worthiness of a roster spot in the two weeks he’s been with the team, especially after he delivered such a crucial hit on Friday night against Brad Boxberger in the ninth inning.

“The game hadn’t gone the way I wanted it to,” Conforto said. “I was definitely looking to make an influence on the game somehow.”

And he did, tying the game for Mets in the ninth inning for the third consecutive inning.

There’s also the issue with using his first player option. If the Mets option Conforto on Monday, it’s 22 days away from September 1 or when rosters expand to 40 players. If the Mets intend to save that option, they’d have to bring him back before August 30 (the option doesn’t count if a player is recalled within 20 days of being sent to the minor leagues).

That’s plausible of course, but not guaranteed.

In addition, if they end up ultimately using his 2015 player option and Conforto does not make the team out of spring training in 2016, the club will be using two of his four player options within a seven month time period, which is hardly ideal, especially since he warrants a roster spot now.

With respects to Campbell, Conforto probably deserves to stay, even if the match-ups don’t play to his favor. Keeping him here saves the Mets an unnecessary transaction as well. And there should be plenty of opportunities for Conforto to enter mid-game during those instances, anyway.