On the day that manager Luis Rojas predicted a change at the second base in the near future, as Jeff McNeil is expected to start a rehab assignment at Triple-A this weekend, the Mets were 10-3 from the Orioles, who were worst in the American League, defeated in Baltimore.
The Mets will swap defense for offense when McNeil, a career .312 hitter, replaces Peraza. That may sound a bit more appetizing after only four hits were made on Tuesday, two of which were Pete Alonso’s home runs.
« He responded very well to the treatment, » said Rojas before the game against McNeil. “We’re pretty optimistic. He has made progress in every way. He bragged about it before we went on the road trip and told me how fast he was going. ”
Peraza made his 20th start of the season on second base and again played a flawless defense. He shoveled a nifty feed to Francisco Lindor for a double play (blown call) in the first inning and spun two later in the game.
« He was great, » said Rojas. “He and Lindor got on really well. You don’t shut up during the game. You can hear them from the dugout. They’re moving around and they’re on tiptoe. ”
Peraza made no mistake – not even in his two starts at third base – but that doesn’t tell the full story. Assessing Peraza’s fieldwork properly requires a deeper analytical look to show that Baseball Savant says he’s in the 97th percentile when it comes to above-average outs.
On Tuesday, Peraza had a 74 percent success rate on 65 attempts which is 8 percentage points above the estimated success rate and adds significant value.
« Peraza is a guy who was originally a shortstop, so the second base would be a position he can dominate, » said Rojas. “The self-confidence he is currently on has helped him to come third if necessary. We know the metrics. ”
McNeil (thigh) may be available much earlier than expected when he first appeared on the injured list on May 17th. According to Rojas, the preliminary plan is to build from five to seven to nine innings and then consecutive full games. But the pressure on Peraza also includes Luis Guillorme, whose rehab at Triple-A is ongoing.
« One of the things we are going to ask Jose to do is what he has done in the past: be ready, various positions to play, « said Rojas. “Yes, he’s been our second baseman for almost a month now. He was great at that and helped us win a lot of games, but he will also have to help us as a utility guy if he wants to be here. He will get some reps in different positions. ”
Peraza has 65 MLB outfield games, including 11 center starts. He beats .222 for the season, but his batting average increases with two outs and runners in the scoring position and when a game is within three-runs. A home run against Jacob deGrom in a goalless game on Saturday was his most recent clutch hit.
« We’ll talk to him and make sure he stays open-minded that this is a reality, » said Rojas. “In the National League he is a very valuable player who is available on the go. We can use those strengths to keep him with the guys who come in. «
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