MILWAUKEE — Luis Sangel Acuña's magical September may have come to an early end, but manager Carlos Mendoza believes the player can carve a new niche.
Francisco Lindor returned to the top of the lineup and at shortstop on Friday, leaving Acuña out of the lineup.
“He's going to continue to be an important part of our team,” Mendoza said of Acuña before the Mets' 8-4 loss to the Brewers at American Family Field.
Mendoza said he could imagine him coming in as a pinch runner for Acuña, a defensive replacement, or even at bat with an opposing left-handed pitcher.
But manager David Stearns confirmed the Mets will go into the final spurt of the season with the best lineup possible, which Stearns said will include shortstop Lindor and second baseman Jose Iglesias. .
Lindor, who went 2-for-4 with a walk in his return to action after missing eight straight games due to back discomfort, opened the door for a top prospect to make an immediate impression.
After a statistically lackluster season with Triple-A Syracuse, Acuña hit .375 with three home runs in his first 10 major league games.
The Mets could use Acuña, who can play either middle infield, at second base, Iglesias at third base, and ask Mark Vientos to play DH.
JD Martinez, the prototypical designated hitter, has struggled most of the past month.
Coach Mendoza did not support or deny the idea, simply praising the versatility Acuña offers, giving the manager more options.
Acuña also appeared in 31 games in center field for Syracuse.
Mendoza said he is happy with having Harrison Bader, Tyrone Taylor and Brandon Nimmo in center field and plans to use Acuña in his spot only in the contingency finale of the season.
Barring a setback for Lindor, Acuña doesn't appear to be a regular anymore, but Mendoza believes Acuña still has a role.
“It's important to have pieces like that,” Mendoza said.
