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MILWAUKEE — It is possible that Luisangel Acuña’s magical September has ended early, but manager Carlos Mendoza believes the prospect can carve out a new niche.
As Francisco Lindor returned to the top of the lineup and shortstop Friday, Acuña was out of the lineup.
“He’s going to continue to be a big part of the team moving forward,” Mendoza said of Acuña before the Mets’ 8-4 loss to the Brewers at American Family Field.
Mendoza said he could envision Acuña pinch-running, entering as a defensive replacement or getting at-bats against an opposing lefty.
But David Stearns acknowledged the Mets will play their best lineup as much as possible for the final sprint of the season — and that lineup includes Lindor at shortstop and Jose Iglesias at second, Stearns said.
Lindor, who went 2-for-4 with a walk in his return to the lineup, had missed eight straight games with back discomfort, which opened the door for a top prospect who made an immediate impression.
After a statistically unimpressive season with Triple-A Syracuse, Acuña hit .375 with three home runs in his first 10 major league games.
The Mets could try Acuña, who can play either middle infield spot, at second base and move Iglesias to third while asking Mark Vientos to DH.
Typical designated hitter J.D. Martinez has largely struggled all month.
Mendoza did not endorse or shoot down the notion, simply praising the versatility Acuña offers, which allows the manager plenty of options.
Acuña also had played 31 games in center field with Syracuse.
Mendoza said he would only try Acuña at the spot in the final games of the season in an emergency situation, comfortable with Harrison Bader, Tyrone Taylor and Brandon Nimmo as his center fielders.
Barring a Lindor setback, Acuña does not appear to be a regular anymore, but Mendoza believes Acuña still will have a role.
“Having a piece like that is important,” Mendoza said.
