The New York Mets called up second baseman prospect Dilson Herrera last week because of David Wright's extended absence as he remains on the disabled list. The club was waiting for Herrera to break out, and they got a taste of it on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run and an RBI single in the Mets' 5-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. He broke out of his 1-for-13 slump in his first four games with the team this year. This is likely the type of the play New York was expecting out of the prospect because he was batting .370/.402/.506 with 18 runs scored, 1 home run and 11 RBIs in 20 games at Triple-A Las Vegas.
However, it's unknown what the team's plan for Herrera is even though recent rumors suggested the Mets could work out a deal that sends infielder Daniel Murphy to the San Francisco Giants. But if that doesn't happen, Herrera could be back at Triple-A.
"Herrera's spot at second base at Citi Field may not last long," writes Zach Braziller of the New York Post. "Wright should be back within the next week, granted he doesn't have another setback. Daniel Murphy will move back to second. Herrera is trying to make it a difficult for the organization to send him back to Las Vegas."
He will indeed try to make it tough for general manager Sandy Alderson and manager Terry Collins, especially since his stay on the 25-man roster is prolonged with Wright expected to be out until the middle of next week or next weekend. After all, Murphy is not signed beyond the 2015 season and he could provide the Mets a nice return in a trade.
"The team sees Herrera as the future," writes Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. "We have reported that the Mets will be motivated to trade Murphy, once Herrera begins to produce. More games like Wednesday's could force the decision sooner."
The Giants' rumored interest in Murphy makes sense because San Francisco's offense is struggling and their current third baseman, Casey McGehee, has been awful thus far. If Herrera can get his bat in a rhythm before Wright returns, don't be surprised if the Mets move forward with him and deal Murphy.