NEW YORK – In an attempt to improve one of the worst outfields in Major League Baseball, the Mets have agreed to terms with veteran Rick Ankiel on a Major League contract.
To clear a roster spot for Ankiel, New York optioned
outfielder Andrew Brown to AAA Las Vegas. Ankiel is slated to start in center
field against one of his former teams when the Mets begin their series with the
Cardinals this evening.
The 33-year old outfielder began the season with the Astros
but was cut by the team after batting .194 with five home runs and 35 strikeouts
in just 65 plate appearances.
Ankiel holds a career batting average of .243 split between time
spent with the Cardinals, Nationals, Royals, Braves and Astros.
Ankiel figures to be more of a defensive upgrade for the
Mets though, who envision a platoon in center field between the veteran
outfielder and right-handed rookie Juan Lagares. With runs coming at a premium
lately, the defense has to play that much tighter and Ankiel has a strong arm
the Mets believe can help save some runs.
“Because offense is something that we certainly covet a lot,
we’ve tried to put some offensive players in the game,” manager Terry Collins
said. “And right now, nobody’s hitting. So we’ve got to go catch the baseball.”
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