ST. LOUIS — Pete Alonso took partial leave Monday due to recent poor performance at the plate.
The struggling first baseman was left out of the Mets’ starting lineup for the first time this season — he had started in 126 games prior to last year — but was a defensive substitute in the Mets’ 4-3 win over the Cardinals with Bush. Participated as. stadium.
Alonso entered the day with a 1-for-28 (.036) tailspin, pushing his season numbers to .206/.295/.420.
After Alonso entered the game as a first baseman in the sixth inning, DJ Stewart, who started 0-for-1, was shifted to left field.
Coach Carlos Mendoza said it was “difficult” to talk to Alonso and tell him he would be placed on the bench.
“He’s one of those guys you don’t want out of the lineup at any time, but we felt it was important for Pete to have a day,” Mendoza said.
“He’s in pain,” Mendoza said. “It wasn’t easy to give him a day. [Monday] That says a lot about who he is. Even if he doesn’t feel good at the plate, he still wants to be out there. However, he will continue to work hard and work hard to overcome this. ”
Coach Mendoza needs to make a decision by Tuesday on whether Kodai Senga will take his third batting practice or begin his transfer to the minor leagues and take his final jump in rehabilitation. said.
The right-hander will not be eligible to return from the disabled list until May 27.
Mendoza said Tyler Megill is expected to throw four innings of 60-65 pitches in his next rehab start, after which the Mets may decide he is ready to come off the disabled list.
Mendoza said it’s too early to tell whether Megill will return to the Mets’ rotation or be assigned to Triple-A Syracuse.
Binghamton right-hander Joander Suarez started against Hartford on May 2 and was named the Eastern League’s Pitcher of the Week after going 6 1/3 innings without a hit, with seven strikeouts.
This season, the 24-year-old appeared in five games (four starts) and posted a 2.60 ERA with 24 strikeouts and eight walks.
Johan Ramirez was placed off waivers.
To make room on the 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Max Kranik was designated for assignment.
Ramirez started the season with the Mets before being DFA.
