The New York Mets have been struggling to get any type of production from the left side of their infield. Those struggles, however, do not mean that top prospect Amed Rosario will be coming up any time soon.
The left side of the New York Mets infield has been a train wreck this season. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has produced a meager .243/.319/.361 batting line, while making making ten errors and costing the Mets 12 runs. Jose Reyes has been even worse offensively at third, with a horrendous .184/.257/.284 batting line. At least Reyes has been moderately competent in the field, only costing the Mets two runs at third and one at short.
Obviously, the Mets need additional production from the left side of their infield. And, at 27-33, 10.5 games behind the Washington Nationals for the National League East, the Mets postseason hopes may well be over. As such, this would be the perfect time to see what their prospects have to offer, particularly top prospect Amed Rosario.
However, that promotion will not be coming any time soon, at least according to Mets general manager Sandy Alderson. While he said that Rosario "will be a very good player in the near future," the Mets are planning on keeping him at AAA for now. So, the next time that Cabrera and Reyes go a combined 0-8 with an error, do not expect Rosario to come in and save the day.
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This reluctance to bring Rosario up to the majors does make sense. He is getting his first taste of AAA, and is just 21 years old. Naturally, there is a desire to keep from rushing the phenom, especially in a lost season.
Nonetheless, Rosario's production in Las Vegas would seemingly indicate that he is ready. Through his 61 games, Rosario has produced a stellar .339/.381/.498 batting line with six homers and 11 steals. Even though this production comes with the caveat of being done in the Pacific Coast League, which is notorious for inflating offense, he has certainly impressed this season.
In deciding to keep Rosario in Las Vegas for the time being, Alderson is weighing the present against the future. Yes, he could be a help in the short term, but for what purpose? Instead, by letting Rosario get at least the majority of the 2017 campaign in the minors, he will be able to continue to develop without pressure, and potentially be ready to take on a starting role next season.
The New York Mets need help, particularly on the left side of the infield. That help will not come from Amed Rosario, at least not for the foreseeable future.
